Mold in Dubai villa: call landlord or inspector first?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue. The high humidity, especially during summer months, combined with condensation from AC units, creates ideal conditions for mold growth behind furniture where air circulation is poor.

You should notify your landlord in writing immediately, as this is a maintenance issue they are typically responsible for addressing under standard Dubai rental contracts. Provide clear photos of the spots and describe the damp conditions. However, the extent of the problem isn't always visible. The spots on the surface are just the fruiting bodies; the root system (mycelium) can be growing deep within the wall or insulation, especially if there's a hidden leak from plumbing or a poorly sealed window frame.

For a small, surface-level issue, the landlord may send a general handyman to clean it. For a recurring or larger problem, a professional inspection is wise to identify the true moisture source. A proper inspection uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the root cause, not just the visible mold. Without fixing the source, it will return.

If the landlord is unresponsive or the problem is severe, arranging your own inspection can provide a definitive report on the cause and required remediation scope, which you can then present to the landlord. Look for a provider that offers detailed diagnostic reporting, not just cleaning.