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

My kids have been coughing more than usual and I suspect it's from the black mold that's started growing in the corners of our master bathroom. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it spreading behind the toilet after the recent humidity spike. How urgent is it to get this professionally treated, and is this something I should notify my landlord about immediately?
Posted by Kevin Young
Asked on May 10, 2026 9:45 pm
Yes, you should notify your landlord immediately. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to provide and maintain a habitable property. A spreading mold issue, especially one linked to tenant health symptoms, falls under this obligation.

The recent humidity spike is a key factor. Bathroom mold here is rarely just a surface issue; it often indicates a persistent moisture problem from inadequate ventilation, a hidden plumbing leak, or condensation within the walls. Simply wiping it away is a temporary fix. The underlying cause must be identified and resolved to prevent regrowth, which often requires professional diagnosis.

For your children's coughing, professional remediation is advised. While many common bathroom molds are irritants, the species Aspergillus is frequently identified in UAE homes and can provoke more persistent respiratory issues. A proper inspection can determine the extent behind the toilet and if spores have circulated into the AC system, which is common here.

Document everything: send a dated written notice to the landlord with clear photos of the mold. Request a professional assessment to find the moisture source and a remediation plan. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Centre (RDC) in Dubai, as this constitutes a failure to maintain the property.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 11, 2026 3:24 pm