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

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black spots spreading along the wall behind our wardrobe in the master bedroom. It’s been really humid lately and I’m worried it’s gotten worse since I first spotted it a couple of weeks ago. What’s the best way to deal with this in a Dubai villa – should I call the landlord first or just get a professional mold remediation company out here myself?
Posted by Camille De Vries
Asked on May 5, 2026 11:16 am
Your first step should be to notify your landlord in writing immediately, as they are legally responsible for resolving the underlying cause under Dubai rental law. Document the mold's location and spread with clear photos and dates.

This situation requires professional assessment. The rapid spread behind furniture indicates a significant moisture issue, likely from a hidden leak in the plumbing or building envelope, or severe condensation exacerbated by our high humidity. DIY cleaning often fails because it only addresses the visible growth, not the hidden water source promoting it.

A proper remediation company will first conduct a moisture survey to find the water intrusion point. They then contain the area, remove contaminated materials like drywall, use HEPA filtration to clean the air, and treat the structure with antimicrobial solutions. Crucially, they will verify the fix with post-remediation testing to ensure spore counts have returned to normal indoor levels.

While you wait for the landlord's response, improve air circulation in the room by moving the wardrobe away from the wall and running a dehumidifier if possible. Do not attempt to scrub the mold yourself, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. Your landlord should arrange for a qualified professional to handle the inspection and remediation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 7, 2026 9:27 am