Should I report black mold to my landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should report this to your landlord immediately. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing moisture infiltration and the resultant mold that can damage building materials. The recent heavy rains are a clear indicator of a potential leak or seepage through that exterior wall, which is a structural issue.

Given your husband's sinus issues, this is a health concern that warrants action. The Jumeirah Village Circle area, like much of Dubai, experiences high humidity that can condense on cooler exterior walls, especially within closets with poor air circulation from the AC. This creates an ideal environment for mold. While small surface mold on non-structural surfaces can sometimes be cleaned by a tenant, your description of a growing patch points to an ongoing moisture source that you cannot fix yourself.

I recommend formally notifying your landlord in writing, with photos, and request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the leak isn't repaired. A proper remediation involves fixing the water intrusion, then addressing the mold. For health-related cases, a lab test can identify the species, which helps assess the risk level and confirms the cleanup was successful.