Who handles black mold in a rented villa in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

My toddler has been having a persistent cough and my older daughter complained about a weird smell in her bedroom closet. I finally checked behind the dresser and found a patch of black mold on the wall, probably from a slow leak in the AC unit. Who is responsible for handling this in a rented villa in Al Barsha, the landlord or do I need to call a specialist myself?
Posted by Meena Sharma
Asked on March 22, 2026 11:53 am
In a rented villa in Al Barsha, the responsibility for black mold remediation is typically dictated by the tenancy contract and Dubai's rental laws. Generally, the landlord is responsible for rectifying structural issues and faults that lead to mold, such as a leaking AC unit pipe within the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or inherent building defects. As the tenant, you are responsible for reporting the issue promptly and for maintaining the property through adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, a common issue in Dubai's humid climate exacerbated by year-round AC use.

Given the health symptoms you've described, this is a serious case that requires immediate professional attention. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and worsen contamination. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the discovery and your children's health concerns. They should arrange for a specialist to conduct a comprehensive inspection and moisture mapping to identify the exact source of the moisture.

For an accurate assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly, I strongly recommend engaging a certified mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our experts use thermal imaging and borescopes to pinpoint hidden leaks and assess the full extent of contamination, which is often far greater than what is visible. We then provide a detailed report that can be used to formally request remediation from your landlord. If the landlord is unresponsive, this professional report is crucial evidence for filing a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC). For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Your family's health is paramount.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 24, 2026 11:40 am