Found black mold in rental. Landlord or professional cleaner first?« Back to Previous Page

Notify your landlord immediately and provide photo evidence. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for fixing issues like this that stem from building defects, such as a leaking AC unit. Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and worsen the air quality for your children.

For a leak-related infestation of this size, a professional inspection is the necessary first step. A certified inspector can identify the mold species and, crucially, locate the exact moisture source—which may be a persistent leak in the AC drain line or condensation within the wall cavity. Simply cleaning the visible patch will fail if the hidden water issue remains. In Dubai's humid climate, this constant moisture will cause it to return quickly.

Your landlord should arrange and cover the cost for a qualified remediation company. The process involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall, using HEPA vacuuming, and addressing the root moisture problem. After remediation, a clearance test from an independent lab is the only way to verify the space is truly safe. Given the health symptoms, this professional approach is essential.