Should I report damp black mold to landlord or remediator?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, report this to your landlord immediately. In Dubai, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity, which includes addressing the source of dampness causing the mold. Document the issue with clear photos and a written notice, as this starts the clock on their obligation to respond and fix it.

The black spots and damp wall suggest an ongoing moisture issue, likely from a hidden plumbing leak or condensation from the AC unit. Given Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use, condensation inside walls is common if insulation is inadequate. The dampness means the mold is active, and the coughing in your children is a significant health indicator that should not be ignored.

For a case involving visible dampness, active growth, and health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised before any cleanup is attempted. A proper assessment identifies the mold species and, crucially, locates the exact moisture source. Remediation is ineffective if the water entry point isn't permanently sealed.

Your landlord may send a general handyman, but for health-related mold, a specialist with microbiology lab capabilities is needed to verify the environment is safe after repair. The remediation company should provide before-and-after testing data to confirm the spore count has returned to acceptable levels. You can then share this report with your landlord to close the issue.