Black mold in Dubai villa: call landlord or inspector?« Back to Previous Page

Document the mold with clear photos showing its extent and location before moving anything. In Dubai rentals, structural issues like this typically fall under the landlord's responsibility for remediation, as per common tenancy contract interpretations.

Given Dubai's high humidity and that it's behind a wardrobe—a classic spot for condensation and lack of air circulation—this is likely a significant moisture issue. The black spots could be several common species, but the spread indicates an active problem. You should notify your landlord immediately in writing, attaching the photos. They are generally obligated to address the root cause (like a leak or insulation failure) and the resulting damage.

However, for a case of this size and concealment, relying solely on a general handyman is risky. They often just wipe the surface, missing the moisture source and the mold within the wall. A professional inspection is advised to identify the exact species (through lab analysis) and map the full moisture penetration. This provides a scientific report you can give to the landlord, outlining the necessary scope of work for proper remediation, which should include fixing the water intrusion, removing affected materials, and HEPA vacuuming. This evidence-based approach ensures the problem is solved completely, not just cosmetically covered.