Should I tell my landlord about black mold ASAP?« Back to Previous Page

My bathroom in our Marina apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, but this morning I finally spotted a patch of black mold spreading from behind the toilet where it meets the wall. The room doesn't have a window and the fan is pretty weak. How serious is this and do I need to get my landlord to fix it ASAP, or is it something I can handle myself with a cleaner this weekend?
Posted by Hassan Al-Maktoum
Asked on April 13, 2026 2:40 am
Yes, you should inform your landlord about the black mould immediately. In Dubai's humid climate, especially in a sealed bathroom with poor ventilation like yours in Marina, mould can spread quickly behind walls and under flooring. This is a landlord responsibility under typical tenancy contracts, as it pertains to the property's structure and ventilation systems.

Document the issue with clear photos and send a formal written notification (email is best) to your landlord or property management company. This creates a record of your report. The underlying cause is likely a combination of the weak extraction fan and potential hidden moisture from a leaking seal or pipe behind the toilet. A professional inspection can identify the moisture source, which must be fixed before any cleaning is attempted; otherwise, the mould will return.

While small surface patches can sometimes be addressed with a vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution, your case—described as "spreading from behind"—suggests a deeper issue. Disturbing it improperly can release a large number of spores. A certified remediation company can contain the area, safely remove the contaminated materials, and verify with testing that the spore count has returned to a safe level. Your health and preventing further property damage make this an urgent matter.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 16, 2026 12:58 am