Should I report bathroom mold to my landlord or clean it?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should report this to your landlord immediately. In Dubai, the responsibility for resolving the underlying cause of mold, which is typically excess moisture, falls on the property owner. This is especially true in an apartment building where the issue could be related to hidden plumbing leaks or inadequate ventilation systems that you cannot fix yourself.

For your children's health, the type of mold matters. The black mold commonly found in bathrooms here is often Cladosporium or Aspergillus, which can indeed trigger coughing, congestion, and allergy symptoms, particularly in children. The persistent Dubai humidity, combined with condensation from showers and year-round AC use creating temperature differentials, creates a perfect environment for it to thrive.

You can clean small, surface-level patches (under 1 square foot) yourself. A solution of distilled white vinegar or a dedicated mold remover from a hardware store can be effective for non-porous surfaces like tiles. However, the spread behind the toilet and under the sink suggests a more significant moisture issue that simple cleaning won't solve. The mold you see is likely just the visible part, and the root cause needs to be identified.

Given the health symptoms and the extent of the growth, a professional inspection is advisable to assess the situation fully and identify any hidden moisture sources. Your landlord should arrange this. Document the mold with photos and your communication with the landlord for your records.