Should I call my landlord about mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black speckles in the corner of our master bedroom closet, on the wall that faces the outside. The weird thing is, the clothes inside the closet feel slightly damp to the touch, even though we run the AC constantly. I'm really worried it's spreading. What's the most effective way to deal with mold in a Dubai villa, and is this something I should call the landlord about immediately, or try to clean myself first?
Posted by Hong Park
Asked on March 22, 2026 1:56 pm
Based on your description, you should absolutely contact your landlord immediately. This is not a minor issue you should attempt to clean yourself.

The presence of black speckles accompanied by a persistent damp feeling on clothes, despite constant AC operation, indicates a significant moisture intrusion issue. In Dubai's climate, this is a classic symptom of a building envelope failure, likely a hidden leak in the external wall's plumbing or a breach in the waterproofing that is allowing external humidity to seep in. The constant AC can actually exacerbate the problem by creating a strong temperature differential between the inside and outside of the wall, leading to severe condensation within the wall cavity itself. This trapped moisture creates an ideal environment for mold growth that is not surface-level but potentially deep within the structure.

Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is typically responsible for the maintenance of the property's structure, including external walls and plumbing systems. Attempting a DIY clean-up will only address the visible cosmetic symptoms and is a severe health risk; disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination throughout your home. The root cause—the water intrusion—will remain, guaranteeing the mold will return, often worse than before.

This situation requires a professional mold inspection to identify the exact moisture source and assess the full extent of the contamination. We strongly recommend you document the issue with photos, notify your landlord in writing, and request they engage a certified remediation company like Saniservice. Our experts use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the leak and then perform a full containment and remediation process to ensure the problem is solved permanently and safely. For immediate advice, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 25, 2026 10:24 am