Black mold in rental: clean or notify landlord first?« Back to Previous Page

Notify your landlord immediately and do not attempt to clean it yourself. In Dubai, tenants are typically responsible for reporting maintenance issues, while landlords are responsible for the structural integrity of the property and resolving issues like mold, which is often a result of underlying moisture or insulation problems.

The location on an exterior wall facing the marina is a classic sign of condensation issues. The high humidity, especially recently, causes moisture to condense on the cooler wall surface behind furniture like wardrobes that restrict airflow. Turning the AC off during the day exacerbates this, as the unit is not regulating humidity. This is a very common scenario in Dubai's climate.

Cleaning it yourself with bleach or other store-bought solutions will only remove the visible stain temporarily and can agitate spores, potentially worsening indoor air quality. The underlying moisture problem will remain, and the mold will return. Your landlord needs to address the root cause, which may involve improving insulation, fixing any seepage, or assessing the building's external waterproofing.

When you notify them, do so in writing (email is best) and include clear photographs. For a rental, a professional inspection is advised to document the extent and cause, as this provides the landlord with a clear assessment and scope of work required for proper remediation.