Should I address kitchen humidity with landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Absolutely, addressing the kitchen humidity issue is crucial and should be brought to your landlord's attention. High levels of humidity can indeed lead to uncomfortable living conditions and potential health issues for you and your family.

Firstly, it's important to understand that high humidity in the UAE, especially during the summer months, can create a perfect environment for mold growth, dust mite proliferation, and other allergens. In Dubai specifically, the climate is often warm with high relative humidity levels, making this situation more problematic if not managed properly.

Given your observations, it sounds like you might be dealing with excessive moisture in the kitchen area despite using air conditioning. This could be due to several factors such as inadequate ventilation, a leaky pipe or appliance, improper insulation, or even an issue with the building's external envelope. The mistiness and difficulty breathing at night suggest that there may indeed be high levels of humidity affecting your living space.

It would be wise to address this matter promptly. Here are some practical steps you can take:

1. Document Your Observations: Keep a journal noting the date, time, and description of the conditions in your kitchen. This will help you track any changes over time and provide concrete evidence when discussing the issue with your landlord.

2. Contact Your Landlord: Inform them about the humid conditions and its effects on your health and that of your children. Provide specific examples such as frequent coughing, difficulty breathing at night, or any other symptoms noticed by family members. Be polite but firm in expressing your concerns.

3. Seek Professional Help: If you feel that the humidity levels are severe enough to warrant attention beyond what a landlord might be willing to address promptly, consider hiring an independent HVAC specialist or a professional environmental inspector. In Dubai, companies like Saniservice can provide assessments and remediation services if necessary. Their contact details would be 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.

4. Implement Temporary Measures: While waiting for a professional assessment, you could try using dehumidifiers in the kitchen area to help reduce moisture levels temporarily. Ensure that these devices are properly maintained and placed away from food storage areas to avoid contamination.

5. Review Lease Agreement: Check if your lease agreement mentions any responsibilities regarding maintenance of common areas or the condition of the property. If it does, use this information as a basis for your discussion with the landlord.

Remember, maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for health and comfort in Dubai's climate. By taking proactive steps now, you can help ensure that the living conditions in your rental are safe and comfortable for everyone involved.