Should I address the hallway smell with my landlord?« Back to Previous Page
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After the heavy dust storm we had last week, I noticed a distinct musty smell coming from the hallway between the living room and my kids' bedrooms. It’s been weeks now, and despite regularly cleaning my own space, the smell persists. The rental agreement mentions that it's a shared responsibility to keep common areas clean, but I’m not sure if this includes hallways or if there’s something more I should be doing. Should I bring this up with the landlord, or is it customary for tenants like me to handle these issues?
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Absolutely, you should address the hallway smell with your landlord. In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, it's common for rental agreements to outline responsibilities between tenants and landlords regarding maintenance of shared spaces. While the agreement might state that tenants are responsible for keeping their own areas clean, it doesn't necessarily exclude the responsibility to maintain proper indoor environmental quality in common areas like hallways.
The musty smell could be a sign of several issues such as moisture buildup, mold growth, or even pests. Given the recent heavy dust storm, humidity levels might have spiked, providing ideal conditions for these problems to develop and persist. It would be wise to bring this up with your landlord as soon as possible so that it can be properly addressed. Before speaking with them though, make sure you've done a thorough inspection of the area yourself. Check if there are any visible signs of moisture or leaks from pipes. Also, ensure that ventilation is adequate and that no water has seeped into walls or floors. If these aren't the cause, then it's likely a deeper issue requiring professional attention. If the smell persists after your efforts to clean and check, you might want to consider having an environmental inspection done by a certified professional. This can help pinpoint exactly what’s causing the odor and ensure that it is properly remediated. Remember, maintaining good indoor air quality is not only about comfort but also health. The UAE's regulations around building codes and tenant rights do favor prompt resolution of such issues. So if you find yourself unable to resolve this with your landlord, consider reaching out to a tenant advocacy group for guidance or even escalating the matter through official channels. Call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com if you need assistance in identifying and addressing these issues. Taking proactive steps like these can ensure that both your health and comfort are prioritized while living in your rental property. |
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