What's the best way to treat hidden mold for my landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Hidden mould behind furniture is common in Dubai due to the high humidity and constant AC use, which can create condensation cold spots on walls. The best way to handle this with your landlord is through documentation and a professional, evidence-based approach to avoid disputes.

First, document the issue thoroughly. Take clear, dated photographs and videos of the mould growth. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper cleaning can spread spores and make the problem worse. Your landlord is generally responsible for resolving issues that affect the property's structure and habitability, which includes hidden mould caused by underlying moisture.

Politely notify your landlord in writing, attaching the evidence. Frame it as a concern for the property's integrity and a potential health issue, which it can be for those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Request a professional mould inspection to identify the moisture source—often a leaking pipe, capillary rise from the ground, or condensation from AC units. Simply wiping the mould away is ineffective if the root cause isn't fixed.

A reputable inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the water intrusion and may take air or surface samples for lab analysis to identify the mould type. This report provides an objective assessment for both you and the landlord. For remediation, the gold standard is containment of the area, HEPA-filtered air scrubbing, safe removal of contaminated materials, and treatment of the source. The goal is to return spore counts to normal outdoor levels, which is verifiable through post-remediation testing.

Companies with their own microbiology labs can provide the concrete, documented proof of success that protects both tenant and landlord. This scientific approach turns an emotional issue into a solvable maintenance problem, making it much easier to get your landlord to take appropriate action.