Mold in toddler's room: call landlord or professional first?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our villa in Jumeirah for 2 years and just noticed small black spots forming along the bottom edge of the wall in my toddler's bedroom. It’s on the wall that faces outside, and it's been so humid lately that the room always feels damp even with the AC running constantly. I'm really worried about my son breathing this in. What's the best way to handle this in Dubai – should I call the landlord first or go straight to a professional mold removal company?
Posted by Christopher Wilson
Asked on April 11, 2026 2:05 pm
Contact your landlord first, as they are contractually responsible for addressing structural issues like this in Dubai. Document the mold with clear photos and send a formal written notification, referencing Dubai Municipality's regulations on tenant health and safety. This creates a necessary paper trail.

The pattern you describe—black spots on an exterior wall with constant dampness—strongly suggests condensation from thermal bridging, where the wall's cold interior meets Dubai's humid outdoor air. This is extremely common in villas here. Given your toddler's presence, this requires prompt professional assessment. A surface wipe with diluted vinegar can temporarily reduce visible growth, but it will return without fixing the underlying moisture source.

If the landlord is unresponsive or attempts an insufficient fix (like just painting over it), then engage a professional inspector. They will use a moisture meter to pinpoint the condensation level within the wall and can take an air or surface sample for lab analysis to identify the mold type. True remediation involves correcting the insulation or ventilation flaw and properly removing the contaminated material, not just cleaning the surface. Running a dehumidifier in the room can help manage ambient moisture while you arrange a solution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 11, 2026 11:43 pm