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

Contact your landlord first, as under Dubai rental law (RERA), maintaining the property's structural integrity and addressing issues like water leaks that cause mold are typically the landlord's responsibility. Document the mold with clear photos and send a formal written notification, as this creates a record of your request.

Given the description—black spots spreading, a persistent damp feeling despite AC use, and aggravated allergies—this indicates an active moisture issue that requires professional diagnosis. The high humidity in Deira, combined with potential condensation from AC units or a hidden leak behind the wall, creates an ideal environment for mold. A proper inspection will identify the exact moisture source (e.g., a leaking pipe, capillary rise from the slab, or insufficient insulation) and the mold type, which is crucial for effective remediation.

While the landlord may send a general handyman, they often only clean the visible mold without solving the underlying dampness, leading to rapid regrowth. For a case this advanced, recommend to your landlord that a certified mold assessment is needed. The process should include moisture mapping and air/surface sampling, with analysis from an accredited lab to determine the species and concentration. This evidence-based report will dictate the correct remediation protocol, ensuring the problem is resolved permanently rather than just cosmetically covered. Your husband's allergy symptoms are a significant health indicator that this should not be ignored.