Mold found in Dubai villa: report to landlord or municipality?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve been in our Jumeirah villa for a couple of years, but I just saw something strange while cleaning behind the fridge in the kitchen—a small, dark patch of what looks like mold on the wall. I'm worried the recent humidity has caused a bigger issue I can't see. What are the Dubai Municipality's rules or procedures for dealing with this, and am I required to report it to my landlord first?
Posted by Mona Al-Nahyan
Asked on March 20, 2026 5:33 am
Good question. This is a common issue in Dubai's climate. First, do not disturb the patch, as this can release spores.

According to Dubai Municipality's public health regulations, the responsibility for maintaining a property free from damp and mold that affects habitability falls squarely on the landlord. Your first and mandatory step is to formally report this in writing to your landlord or property management company. They are legally obligated to address the underlying cause (e.g., a leaking pipe, insulation issue, or HVAC condensation problem) and remediate the mold. This is a landlord-tenant issue first.

Reporting directly to Dubai Municipality is not typically the first procedure for a private villa tenancy. However, if the landlord is unresponsive or refuses to rectify a significant issue that poses a health risk, you could then contact the Dubai Municipality's Public Health Department for guidance. They have the authority to enforce compliance.

Given the location behind a major appliance, this strongly suggests a hidden moisture source. A small visible patch often indicates a larger problem within the wall cavity. I highly recommend a professional inspection to assess the full extent and identify the moisture source. improper remediation can make it worse.

For a certified assessment and remediation quote, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We provide detailed reports that can be used to formally communicate with your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 12:18 pm