Black mold in Dubai villa: landlord or inspector first?« Back to Previous Page

Contact your landlord first and provide clear photos of the mold and the location. By law, landlords in Dubai are generally responsible for addressing structural issues, including leaks from external pipes that cause dampness and mold inside the walls.

Given the location against an external wall with plumbing, this is likely a leak, not just surface condensation. The UAE's high humidity can cause mold to spread inside wall cavities from a single leak. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it can release a high concentration of spores. Your landlord should send a maintenance team to identify and repair the moisture source.

If the landlord is unresponsive or the problem persists after their repair, then hire a professional inspector. A proper inspection with moisture meters and, if necessary, lab testing can identify the full extent of the hidden growth and confirm the mold type, which is crucial information if your children are experiencing respiratory symptoms. This documented evidence is also what you would need to formally escalate the issue with the landlord or Dubai Municipality if required.