Should I handle black mold myself or contact landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Contact your landlord immediately. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for addressing structural issues leading to mold, such as leaks or inadequate insulation. Given the size and location ("huge patch," "behind the wardrobe"), this likely stems from a hidden plumbing leak or severe condensation within the wall, which is beyond a DIY fix.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Disturbing a large colony can aerosolize a high concentration of spores throughout your apartment, potentially worsening health risks and cross-contaminating other areas. For extensive hidden mold, professional remediation is necessary to safely contain the area, remove the contaminated materials, and identify the moisture source to prevent recurrence.

The recent humidity spike is a key clue. Our climate, especially with year-round AC use, creates constant condensation risks if a property's insulation or sealing is compromised. A proper inspection should use a moisture meter to find the exact water source behind the wall. Your landlord should arrange for both a remediation expert to remove the mold and a technician to fix the underlying cause. Keep a record of all communications with them. If they are unresponsive, you can reference Dubai Municipality's standards for healthy housing conditions, which landlords must uphold.