Who should I call first for black mold: landlord or professional?« Back to Previous Page

Your first call should be to your landlord or property management company. Under Dubai rental regulations (RERA), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing leaks and dampness that lead to mold. Document the issue clearly with photos and a written description to send to them, as this creates a formal record of the request.

The black patch on an exterior wall during high humidity strongly suggests a condensation issue or a possible hidden leak from the building envelope or AC system. A professional mold inspection is highly recommended to diagnose the source. The landlord may send their own maintenance team, but for a proper diagnosis, a company with a microbiology lab can identify the mold type and test the moisture levels within the wall to find the root cause, which is essential for a permanent fix.

While waiting for a response, you can improve air circulation in the closet and keep the AC running to manage humidity. Do not attempt to bleach or scrub the mold yourself, as this can disturb spores and worsen airborne contamination if the underlying moisture problem isn't solved. The goal is remediation, not just surface cleaning. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can proceed with a professional assessment; the report from a certified provider will serve as strong evidence to escalate the matter if needed.