Should I report landlord about mold causing kids' cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should report this to your landlord immediately. The presence of extensive black mold and your children's persistent cough is a significant health and habitability concern. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and addressing issues that affect its suitability for living, which includes remediation of dampness and mold originating from structural defects like leaking pipes or inadequate waterproofing.

Begin by documenting everything. Take clear photos and videos of the mold patch behind the wardrobe and note the timing of your children's symptoms. Send a formal written notification to your landlord or property management company, outlining the issue and requesting urgent remediation. This creates a necessary paper trail.

Given the size of the patch and the health symptoms, this is not a simple DIY cleaning task. Attempting to clean significant black mold yourself can aerosolize spores and worsen the indoor air quality, potentially exacerbating respiratory issues. The most effective approach is a professional inspection to identify the moisture source—common culprits in older Al Barsha villas are leaking AC drain lines within walls, seepage from external humidity, or old plumbing. A certified inspector can perform air and surface sampling to identify the mold type and concentration, which provides concrete evidence for your landlord and guides the proper remediation protocol.

Until it is addressed, improve ventilation in the room as much as possible and consider using a dehumidifier, as the recent high humidity has created ideal conditions for such growth. Keep your children out of the affected room.