Black mold behind sofa: call management or remediation company?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind our sofa in the Marina apartment has these weird black speckles that seem to be spreading. We noticed it about a week ago, and now the whole living room has a damp, earthy smell, especially when the AC kicks on. What's the proper way to get this tested and handled in Dubai—should I call the building management first or go straight to a professional remediation company?
Posted by Hyun Watanabe
Asked on March 12, 2026 10:42 pm
Based on your description, this is a classic case of hidden mold growth, likely fueled by a condensation issue from the AC unit or a potential leak within the wall cavity. The black speckles and the musty odor when the AC operates are telltale signs. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, especially in coastal areas like Marina, this is unfortunately common.

You should absolutely call your building management first. They are legally responsible for the structural integrity of the building and any issues stemming from the common infrastructure, like a leaking pipe in the wall or a faulty external seal. They need to identify and repair the source of the moisture; otherwise, any cleaning we do will be completely pointless as the mold will just return.

However, for the testing and remediation of the mold itself, you need a professional environmental company like ours. Building maintenance teams are not equipped or certified to handle microbial contamination safely. We follow strict UAE guidelines for containment, air filtration (using HEPA scrubbers), and removal to prevent cross-contamination to other areas of your apartment.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores into your living environment. Once management has been notified and addresses the leak, call us immediately for a proper inspection and remediation plan.

For immediate assistance with testing and safe removal, call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 15, 2026 11:58 am