Suspected black mold in bedroom, who to call in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I suspect it’s from the black fuzzy patches I just found behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed it, probably because the room is always so dark. What’s the fastest way to get this properly tested and removed in Dubai, and should I be calling my landlord or a specific cleaning company first?
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You should contact a professional mold inspection company first, not a general cleaning service. The priority is proper identification and assessing the extent of the problem before any removal is attempted. The fuzzy patches you describe, combined with the persistent cough in children, warrant a science-based assessment.
In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue. High humidity and year-round AC use can cause condensation to form on cold walls, especially behind large furniture like wardrobes where air circulation is poor. This creates the perfect damp environment for mold to grow, often hidden for long periods. A certified inspector will conduct a visual assessment and likely take an air or surface sample for lab analysis to identify the exact species. This is critical, as "black mold" is often used as a scare term for many types; the lab report confirms if it's the more concerning Stachybotrys chartarum or a more common, less hazardous type. This evidence is also what you need to formally present to your landlord. Under Dubai rental regulations (RERA), landlords are typically responsible for addressing issues related to the building's structure and maintenance that affect livability, which includes dampness and mold originating from condensation or leaks. Once you have the professional inspection report, you should formally notify your landlord in writing, as they are generally obligated to remediate the source of the moisture and the resulting mold. For removal, the company should follow a containment protocol to prevent spores from spreading to other parts of the home during cleanup. They will address the moisture source—often by improving ventilation or fixing a underlying leak—then safely remove the contaminated materials. Simply wiping it away is insufficient and can make the problem worse. The goal is to return the indoor air quality to a safe standard, which a post-remediation verification test can confirm. |
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