Damp wall with black mold in Dubai - landlord or inspector first?« Back to Previous Page

That damp wall with black spots is a classic sign of a condensation or moisture intrusion issue, very common in Dubai's climate. Given it's an exterior wall in Jumeirah, the problem is likely persistent humidity meeting a cold surface (from your AC), creating the perfect environment for mold.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best), detailing the issue with photos. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are generally responsible for rectifying structural and maintenance issues like this that affect the property's habitability. They should arrange for the source of the moisture to be identified and repaired.

However, do not let them simply send a handyman to paint over it. This is a health concern, especially with your allergy symptoms. While you wait for their response, you can gently clean a small test area with a diluted vinegar solution to see if it removes the mold and reduces irritation, but this is only a temporary measure.

For a problem of this nature, a professional inspection is highly recommended to determine the mold type and the exact moisture source—whether it's a leaking pipe, capillary rising damp, or insufficient insulation. A proper inspection provides documented evidence you can give to the landlord, ensuring the remediation addresses the root cause, not just the visible mold. In many cases, the inspection cost can be negotiated to be covered by the landlord once the report is submitted.