Who to call first for black mold: landlord or specialist?« Back to Previous Page

Document the mold with clear photos showing its location and extent, then immediately notify your landlord in writing. Under Dubai rental law, landlords are typically responsible for maintaining the property's structure and fixing issues like hidden leaks that cause mold. This creates a formal record and starts the process for them to arrange and pay for repairs.

For a large patch behind an AC unit, the root cause is almost certainly a condensate drain leak or seepage from the chilled water pipes, both common in Dubai's villas due to year-round AC use. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it can aerosolize spores. The landlord should first send a general maintenance team to stop the water source.

After the leak is repaired, a mold specialist should be engaged for proper remediation. General handymen often just wipe the visible mold away, which doesn't address the spores embedded in the wall. A specialist will contain the area, use HEPA vacuums, and apply antimicrobials to prevent regrowth. For health concerns with children, you can also request post-remediation verification to confirm the space is safe.