Black mold behind toilet: landlord or professional first?« Back to Previous Page

Document the mold with clear photos and notify your landlord in writing immediately. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are typically responsible for resolving issues like this that affect the property's habitability and your family's health, especially given the symptoms you've described.

For extensive growth like this, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. The black discoloration could be Stachybotrys, which requires specific handling. DIY attempts with bleach often fail to address the root moisture problem and can aerosolize spores, potentially worsening the cough. Professionals use containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatments approved for porous surfaces like drywall.

The high humidity here, even with AC, creates perfect conditions for regrowth. The issue is likely a combination of condensation from the toilet tank and general bathroom humidity. After proper remediation, the area must be kept dry. Run your bathroom exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after showers and consider a standalone dehumidifier.

Given your children's symptoms, err on the side of caution. A reputable indoor environmental professional can assess the extent, identify the species, and provide a protocol that ensures it is removed safely and completely, not just cleaned superficially. Your landlord may have a preferred provider, but you can also request one with documented before-and-after testing to verify the results.