Should I call my landlord for mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should notify your landlord in writing as your first step. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are generally responsible for rectifying issues related to the building's structure, including dampness and water seepage that lead to mold. Your tenancy contract also likely has clauses about maintenance responsibilities.

The black spots spreading on an exterior wall with a damp feel strongly indicate a persistent moisture issue, such as a seepage point or thermal bridging from the constant AC use against the hot exterior wall. This is a structural problem you cannot fix yourself. Sending a dated photo and formal written notification to the landlord or property manager triggers their obligation to address the source.

Simultaneously, you can seek a professional inspection. A proper assessment involves more than looking at the visible mold; it requires a moisture meter to find the water source and often an air or swab sample sent to a lab to identify the species, as some types pose higher health risks than others. This scientific report provides concrete evidence for your landlord and outlines the necessary remediation steps, which must include fixing the moisture intrusion first, not just wiping the surface.

For your health in the interim, improve ventilation in the room and consider using a dehumidifier, as Dubai's high external humidity combined with AC-cooled surfaces creates ideal conditions for mold growth. Do not attempt to bleach it, as this can exacerbate the problem and does not address the root cause.