Landlord or professional for mold in Dubai villa?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our villa in Al Barsha for two years and just noticed a bunch of black spots spreading along the corner of the bedroom wall where our wardrobe is. It's been really humid lately and I'm worried it's mold. What's the best way to handle this in Dubai – should I call the landlord first or get a professional cleaning company to assess it immediately?
Posted by Brittany Hill
Asked on May 6, 2026 5:09 pm
First, document the mold with clear photos and notify your landlord in writing immediately. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for addressing structural issues and maintenance defects that lead to mold, such as water leaks or inadequate insulation. This initial notification is a crucial step to formally put the issue on their radar.

Given the location in a corner behind a wardrobe, this strongly suggests a hidden condensation issue or a potential leak from the external wall or AC unit. The recent high humidity has likely exacerbated it. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can disturb spores and only removes surface discoloration, not the root cause.

For a villa in Al Barsha, a professional assessment is highly recommended before any remediation begins. The goal is to identify the precise moisture source—whether it's interstitial condensation due to Dubai's climate, a plumbing leak, or a faulty AC drain line. A proper inspection uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the extent of the problem behind the wall, which is almost always larger than the visible spots.

Your landlord may send a general handyman, but for a spreading issue, this often results in a temporary cosmetic fix. A specialist will provide a diagnostic report detailing the cause and required remediation scope, which you can then share with your landlord to ensure the repair is done correctly. This evidence-based approach is far more effective for resolving the problem long-term.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 7, 2026 12:19 pm