Black mold in villa: call landlord or remediation company?« Back to Previous Page

First, document the mold with photos and note the damp wall. In Dubai's rental market, structural moisture issues like this are typically the landlord's responsibility to fix, as they stem from the building envelope or plumbing. You should notify them immediately in writing, as they are obligated under Dubai rental law to provide a habitable property.

However, given the symptoms and the fact the wall is damp, this indicates an active moisture source that needs professional diagnosis. A landlord may send a general handyman who simply washes the mold off, which is ineffective and can aerosolize spores. The underlying dampness will cause it to return quickly in our humid climate.

For a case like this with health symptoms and hidden dampness, a professional inspection is advised. They will use moisture meters to find the source—often condensation from uninsulated AC ducting in false ceilings, a plumbing leak, or capillary rising damp from the slab. Remediation is not just cleaning; it involves fixing the water source, containing the area, and proper disposal.

After notifying your landlord, you can recommend they engage a certified remediation company. If they are unresponsive, you may need to arrange an independent assessment. A reputable inspector will provide a detailed report with cause and scope, which strengthens your case with the landlord and ensures the problem is solved correctly.