Should I call my landlord or a professional for mold?« Back to Previous Page

In a Marina apartment with an exterior wall, that dampness and mold growth are almost certainly due to condensation from the temperature differential between the air-conditioned interior and the humid exterior. This is a very common issue here. The first step is to immediately document the issue with clear photographs and a video showing the wall's location, the mold, and the dampness.

You should contact your landlord or building management first. Under typical Dubai rental agreements, the structural integrity of the building, including moisture ingress through external walls, is the landlord's responsibility. They are obligated to address the root cause of the dampness. Simply cleaning the mold without fixing the moisture source will result in it returning quickly.

For a case of this size with associated health symptoms, a professional inspection is highly recommended before any remediation begins. A proper inspection doesn't just identify the mold you can see; it uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the full extent of the hidden dampness within the wall cavity and checks if the issue is widespread. They can also take samples for lab analysis to identify the species, which is important information for your family's doctor regarding the coughs. Presenting your landlord with a professional report on the cause and extent of the problem will expedite a permanent repair.

While waiting for a response, improve air circulation in the room with a fan, but do not disturb the mold by trying to clean it yourself, as this can release a large number of spores. Keep the children out of the room if possible.