Should I report black mold to my landlord or clean it?« Back to Previous Page

You should report the black mold to your landlord immediately and request professional remediation. In Dubai, the responsibility for resolving structural issues that lead to mold, such as water leaks or inadequate waterproofing, typically falls on the property owner as per standard tenancy contracts. Since the mold is behind a wardrobe—an area indicating a potential wall infiltration or condensation issue—this is almost certainly a landlord repair.

Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, especially with household bleach. Disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores into your air, potentially worsening your children's respiratory symptoms. The humid Dubai climate and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for mold when a hidden moisture source is present.

A proper fix requires a professional to first identify and eliminate the moisture source, then safely contain and remove the contaminated materials. For health concerns, a professional inspection with lab analysis can identify the mold species and confirm it is the irritant. Document the mold with photos and formally notify your landlord in writing, citing the potential health impact on your family. They are obligated to provide a habitable property.