Should I remove black mold myself or call landlord?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's because of the black mold I just found behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom. We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed it when I was rearranging furniture. It must be from the humidity, even though the AC is always on.
What's the most effective way to get rid of it for good, and should I get my landlord's maintenance team involved or handle it myself first?
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Based on the symptoms you've described and the visible presence of black mold, this is a situation that warrants immediate and professional attention. In the UAE's high-humidity climate, even with constant AC operation, condensation can form on cold surfaces, particularly behind large furniture like wardrobes that restrict airflow. This creates the perfect microenvironment for toxic mold growth.
While minor surface mildew can sometimes be addressed with DIY methods, the fact that you have visible growth and health symptoms (coughing in children) indicates a more serious infestation that likely extends beyond what is visible. Disturbing the mold yourself through cleaning can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins and spores, significantly worsening the indoor air quality and potentially exacerbating respiratory issues. Furthermore, improper remediation, such as using bleach, often only bleaches the surface appearance while leaving the root colony intact within the wall or substrate. Under Dubai rental regulations (Law No. 26 of 2007), structural issues and problems arising from the building's fabric, such as hidden leaks or inadequate ventilation leading to condensation, are typically the landlord's responsibility. You should formally notify your landlord immediately. However, we strongly advise against relying solely on a general maintenance team for this. Mold assessment and remediation require specialized techniques, including containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment, to ensure it is eradicated safely and permanently. For a definitive assessment and safe, guaranteed removal, you need a professional inspection. Our certified team at Saniservice uses moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air sampling to identify the full extent of the problem and the moisture source. We then execute a full remediation protocol to resolve the issue for good. Please contact us for a professional evaluation; do not risk your family's health. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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