Black spots in bedroom corner: call landlord or clean myself?« Back to Previous Page

Good afternoon. This is a very common issue we encounter in Dubai, particularly in villas in coastal areas like Jumeirah. The appearance of black spots at the junction of an external wall and ceiling is a strong indicator of a mold colony, and your suspicion regarding humidity is likely correct.

Given the UAE's climate, the primary cause is typically condensation forming due to the significant temperature differential between the hot, humid external air and the cold interior air from your AC unit. This creates a perfect microenvironment for mold growth. While it may appear superficial, it is crucial to first determine if there is an active water leak from the outside, which would be the landlord's responsibility to repair under most tenancy contracts.

I strongly advise against attempting to clean this yourself. Disturbing the colony without proper containment can aerosolize spores, spreading the contamination to other areas of your home and potentially causing health issues. Over-the-counter cleaners often only bleach the visible growth, leaving the root structure (mycelium) intact, guaranteeing a rapid recurrence.

The correct course of action is twofold. First, immediately notify your landlord in writing, with photos, to report the potential leak and visible mold. Second, and most importantly, engage a professional mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to definitively identify the source of the moisture—whether it's condensation or an active leak—and perform air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration of mold present. This professional report is essential to ensure the landlord addresses the root cause correctly and to guide the subsequent safe remediation process.

For a definitive diagnosis and a plan to resolve this safely, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.