Should I handle apartment black mold myself in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

For a small patch less than one square foot, you can handle it yourself. The key is addressing the moisture source—in Dubai’s humidity, bathrooms without proper ventilation are prime for mold. First, run the exhaust fan during and for 30 minutes after showers. Wipe down wet surfaces and fix any leaky seals behind the toilet immediately.

Use a microfiber cloth with a solution of diluted detergent or white vinegar. Never use bleach, as it only removes the colour and can push spores airborne. Wear an N95 mask and gloves during cleaning.

However, since you’ve noticed new coughing in your family and the mold is behind a fixture, it’s likely more extensive than visible. In such cases, and especially in a rental, you should notify your landlord in writing. According to common tenancy contract interpretations in Dubai, the landlord is typically responsible for resolving issues affecting habitability, which includes hidden moisture problems and resultant mold remediation.

For health concerns and to ensure it’s properly eradicated, a professional inspection is wise. They use moisture meters and borescopes to check inside walls, which is common here where condensation builds up within partition walls from year-round AC use. They can provide a lab analysis to identify the mold type, which is crucial information if health symptoms persist. This documented assessment is also what you’d need to formally request remediation from your landlord.