Should I clean bathroom mold or tell landlord first?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing more than usual, and I just discovered a patch of black mold behind the toilet in our master bathroom. It's been incredibly humid lately in Dubai and our bathroom ventilation fan is pretty weak. Are we responsible for cleaning this, or should I report it to the landlord first since it might be a building ventilation issue?
Posted by Brittany Walker
Asked on April 13, 2026 3:05 am
Report this to your landlord or building management first. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for addressing underlying issues causing mold, such as faulty ventilation systems or water leaks from internal pipes. Document the mold with clear photos and note the weak ventilation fan, as this points to a potential building maintenance issue rather than just surface condensation.

For your family's immediate health, that persistent cough is a common reaction to mold spores, especially in children. Until the landlord addresses the root cause, you can clean the visible patch yourself with a vinegar or diluted bleach solution. However, this is only a temporary measure if the humidity and poor airflow aren't fixed.

Given the high humidity in Dubai, a weak fan often can't handle the moisture from showers. The landlord should assess and likely upgrade the ventilation system. If they are unresponsive, you may reference RERA guidelines, which hold property owners accountable for providing habitable living conditions, which includes proper ventilation to prevent health hazards like mold. For a definitive assessment of the mold type and air quality, a professional inspection with air and surface sampling can identify the spore levels and species present.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 15, 2026 4:01 pm