Is black mold in bathroom urgent for landlord report?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been slowly spreading across the ceiling in our master bathroom in Jumeirah. It started as a small patch after the heavy rains in January but now it's covering a whole corner and the damp smell is really strong. How urgent is it that I get a professional to handle this, and is this something I need to report to my landlord immediately?
Posted by Betty Thomas
Asked on May 9, 2026 11:20 am
Yes, this is urgent for both your family's health and your landlord's property. The combination of your children's symptoms, the visible spread, and the strong damp smell indicates an active moisture problem that needs immediate professional assessment.

In Dubai, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing leaks and resultant damage like mold growth. The initial cause was likely water ingress from the heavy rains, and the ongoing high humidity is allowing it to thrive. You should report this to your landlord in writing immediately, detailing the spread since January and mentioning the health symptoms. This creates a formal record of the issue.

For your children's safety, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. They can identify the exact mold species and the moisture source—which could be a hidden leak in the plumbing or a compromised seal from the rain. Simply cleaning the visible mold won't solve the underlying problem, and improper cleaning can aerosolize spores, potentially worsening the cough. A proper remediation plan addresses the moisture first, contains the area during removal, and verifies clearance with post-remediation testing.

Until it's handled, increase bathroom ventilation by running the exhaust fan longer and keep the door closed to prevent spore migration. This situation is common here due to our climate, but it requires the landlord's attention to fix correctly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 11, 2026 4:32 am