How to clean black mold and inform landlord in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

First, assess the patch size. If it's smaller than a square meter and confined to a non-porous surface, you may handle it yourself. For porous drywall or larger areas, professional remediation is strongly advised to prevent spores from spreading.

For a small DIY clean, wear an N95 mask, gloves, and eye protection. Never use bleach, as it only removes the colour and can worsen indoor air quality. Instead, scrub the area with a solution of white vinegar or a dedicated, non-bleach mold cleaner. Dry the area completely with a fan immediately after cleaning. The key is addressing the moisture source. In Dubai, this is often condensation from an AC supply line in the wall or a small leak. Check for any dampness or water stains.

You should absolutely report this to your landlord. Under Dubai rental regulations (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable, which includes addressing moisture intrusion that leads to mold. Notify them in writing with clear photos, detailing the location and the strong musty smell. This creates a formal record of the issue. The mold on an exterior wall strongly suggests an underlying structural or insulation problem that they must fix to prevent recurrence, especially with our high humidity. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai. For definitive proof of the mold type and the extent of the issue, a professional inspection with air and surface sampling can provide a lab report to substantiate your claim.