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

Contact your landlord immediately in writing with photos of the mold. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing leaks and resultant mold that are not caused by tenant negligence. This is a habitability issue they are obligated to fix.

Given the location behind a wardrobe and the timing with high humidity, this strongly suggests a hidden condensation or seepage issue, common in Dubai villas where exterior walls meet cold AC airflow. The health symptoms you describe warrant urgent action.

While you wait for the landlord's response, move the children to another room and avoid disturbing the mold, as this can release spores. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this often fails to address the root moisture problem and can worsen air quality temporarily.

For a case with visible spread and health impacts, a professional inspection is highly recommended to identify the exact moisture source and mold type. Landlords may sometimes use general handymen who simply wash the surface, leaving the root cause untreated. A certified mold assessor can provide a detailed moisture map and lab analysis to ensure the remediation plan is science-backed and effective, which protects your family's health and ensures the landlord's fix is permanent.