Should I clean black mold myself or tell my Dubai landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Clean it yourself only if the patch is small (under one square foot) and you have no respiratory issues. For a small area, wear an N95 mask and gloves, then scrub with a mixture of water and detergent. Avoid bleach—it doesn't prevent regrowth and can damage surfaces. Dry the area thoroughly with a fan afterwards.

However, your situation suggests a moisture source from the AC condensation, which is a landlord responsibility under Dubai rental law (RERA). The persistent damp wall indicates a leak or poor insulation in the AC system that you cannot fix yourself. The musty smell confirms active growth.

You should report this to your landlord. They are obligated to address the root cause, which is likely a faulty drain line or insufficient insulation causing condensation. Simply cleaning the visible mold will not stop it from returning if the underlying moisture issue isn't resolved by a professional. Given Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use, this is a common problem that requires proper remediation to prevent further property damage and potential health effects from prolonged exposure.