Should I remove bathroom mold myself or call landlord?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the mold that's suddenly appeared in our bathroom. It's a black, speckled patch spreading along the ceiling above the shower in our Marina apartment. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed this after the recent humid weather. What's the best way to get rid of it permanently, and should I be calling my landlord first or just handling it myself?
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For a small, new patch, you can handle it yourself. However, given its location on the ceiling and your children's symptoms, the underlying cause likely needs addressing to prevent recurrence.
Start by notifying your landlord in writing. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are typically responsible for maintaining the property's structure, including issues like persistent dampness and ventilation that lead to mold. This creates a formal record. For a temporary fix, clean the visible patch with a solution of white vinegar or a dedicated mold remover, ensuring you wear a mask and gloves. The recent humidity has exacerbated a common issue here: condensation from your air conditioner's cold ceiling meeting the hot, humid shower air. Simply wiping the surface won't stop it from returning if the bathroom's extractor fan is inadequate or if there's a minor leak from the unit above. Given the health symptoms, a professional inspection is advisable to identify the moisture source. They can determine if it's surface condensation or a more serious leak, which your landlord would need to fix. For health reassurance, a lab test can identify the mold type. In many cases, improving ventilation by running the extractor fan longer and wiping down wet surfaces after showers can help reduce its return. |
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