Who treats mold in Marina apartments: owner or management?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for treating mold in apartments, including those in Dubai Marina, is typically determined by the source of the moisture. As a certified mold inspector, I can state that the responsibility often falls into a grey area. However, the general rule of thumb is that the building management or owner is responsible for rectifying issues related to the building's structure and common systems.

Since you discovered the mold behind a wardrobe on an external wall and noted dampness, the most probable cause is a hidden plumbing leak within the wall or, more commonly in Dubai Marina, condensation due to thermal bridging. The constant year-round air conditioning creates a significant temperature differential between the cool interior walls and the hot, humid exterior climate. This leads to condensation inside the walls, especially behind large pieces of furniture that restrict airflow.

Your first step is to formally notify your building management or owner in writing, detailing the discovery. They are obligated to investigate the source, as it likely involves the building envelope or internal plumbing. They should engage a specialist to conduct a professional inspection, including moisture mapping and thermal imaging, to definitively identify the moisture source.

If the management is unresponsive or denies responsibility, you must engage a private company to protect your family's health. The coughing your children are experiencing is a common reaction to mold spore exposure. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing it will aerosolize the spores.

For a definitive diagnosis and safe, guaranteed remediation, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. We are experts in resolving exactly these types of moisture and mold issues in Dubai's high-rise buildings. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate inspection and remediation plan.