Should we clean black mold or tell landlord first?« Back to Previous Page

Notify your landlord first. In Dubai, tenancy law generally places the responsibility for structural repairs and issues arising from building defects on the property owner. Since the mold is on an interior wall and you've noted high humidity, the cause could be a hidden leak within the wall or an underlying condensation issue, which is the landlord's obligation to investigate and fix.

For now, document the mold with clear photographs and send a written notification to your landlord or property management company. This creates a formal record of the issue. While waiting for their response, you can manage the humidity. Ensure your AC is set to a consistently cool temperature, and consider using a standalone dehumidifier in the bedroom, as the JVC area can experience high humidity levels that AC units alone sometimes can't manage.

Do not attempt a significant cleanup yourself. Disturbing the mold by scrubbing it can aerosolize spores and spread them throughout your apartment. A surface wipe with a dilute bleach solution is a temporary measure for very small areas, but this black, fuzzy growth creeping up the wall suggests a more established colony that likely requires professional assessment to identify and address the moisture source. A proper remediation plan ensures it is handled safely and effectively, preventing recurrence.