Urgent: Black mold under shower sealant, call landlord now?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, call your landlord immediately. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and addressing issues like water damage and mold that result from it. Document the issue with clear photos and a written notice, as this creates a formal record.

The urgency is high. Black mold under sealant indicates a persistent moisture problem, likely from a failed seal allowing water into the wall cavity. Dubai's high humidity accelerates this growth. While not all black mold is the toxic Stachybotrys species, any significant growth can cause respiratory irritation, worsened allergies, and damage to building materials.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach. Surface cleaning often fails to address the hidden moisture source, and disturbing it can release a large number of spores into your apartment. A professional assessment is needed to determine the extent of the water damage behind the tiles and the specific mold type. Remediation involves removing the contaminated sealant and any affected materials, fixing the underlying leak or moisture intrusion, and ensuring the area is thoroughly dried before resealing. A proper inspection can verify the wall cavity is dry and the fix is complete.