Black mold in Dubai apartment - landlord or company first?« Back to Previous Page

Start by documenting the issue thoroughly with clear photos and a written description for your landlord. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are typically responsible for resolving structural and maintenance issues that affect the habitability of the property, which includes moisture intrusion and mold resulting from it.

Given the location in a high-humidity area like Marina and the presence on the wall itself, this likely indicates a condensation issue or a possible hidden leak within the wall cavity, which is a structural concern. You should formally notify your landlord or building management first. They are obligated to address the root cause, such as repairing any leaks or improving insulation, not just wiping away the visible mold.

For assessment and remediation, you need a company that specializes in mold diagnostics, not just general cleaning. The most effective providers will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the moisture source and then conduct air or surface sampling to identify the mold type, often sending samples to an accredited lab. This scientific approach is crucial because simply cleaning the visible spots without solving the moisture problem guarantees it will return. Look for firms with certified mold remediators who can provide a detailed report with lab findings; this documented evidence is also essential for discussions with your landlord. In many cases, the landlord will arrange and pay for the chosen professional service once the problem is reported.