Black mold behind curtain: call management or professional?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be making this weird damp smell, and I just found black spots all along the wall behind the bedroom curtain. We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed it, probably because we never move that heavy furniture. What's the best way to deal with this—should I call the building management first or get a professional mold cleaning company to check it out?
Posted by Rana Al-Farsi
Asked on April 11, 2026 1:30 am
Start by documenting the issue with clear photos and immediately notify your building management in writing. Under Dubai's rental and property regulations, landlords are typically responsible for addressing structural issues like this, especially as it involves the building envelope. The damp smell from your AC strongly suggests an underlying moisture source that needs to be fixed at its root.

The black spots behind furniture are a classic sign of condensation buildup, common in Dubai due to the high humidity and constant AC use creating a temperature differential with the warm exterior wall. Simply wiping it away will not solve the problem; the moisture source must be identified.

For a case like this, involving both a wall and the AC system, a professional inspection is the most effective first step after informing management. A proper assessment will determine if the issue is surface condensation, a leak from internal plumbing, or a breach in the external wall. They can also test the AC unit, as a contaminated evaporator coil is a frequent cause of damp odors and can spread spores. The goal is to provide your building management with a professional report detailing the cause and required remediation, which strengthens your request for them to act.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 12, 2026 8:01 am