Should the landlord treat black mold in my Dubai villa?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for treating black mold in your villa depends on the source of the moisture causing it. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing leaks in the roof, external walls, or plumbing systems that lead to dampness and mold.

Your situation, with mold in a closet on an exterior wall during a humid period, strongly suggests a condensation issue. This is extremely common in Dubai's climate, where high outdoor humidity meets cold air-conditioned walls. In many cases, this is considered a maintenance issue related to the building's envelope and insulation, which falls to the landlord. The first step is to formally notify them in writing with clear photographs. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source.

However, if the moisture is determined to be solely from internal activities (like steam from an ensuite bathroom without proper ventilation) and not a structural fault, the remediation cost could be yours. For a suspected issue behind walls, a professional assessment is non-negotiable. DIY cleaning on the surface is ineffective and potentially hazardous if the mold is disturbed. A proper inspection uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the extent of the problem, and remediation involves fixing the water source, isolating the area, and removing contaminated materials. Given the humidity, a dehumidifier is often necessary during the process to dry the structure completely.