What are Dubai rules for mold removal in rental apartments?« Back to Previous Page

As a certified indoor environmental quality consultant in Dubai, this is a common but serious issue we handle, especially in humid coastal areas like Jumeirah.

Dubai Municipality's Public Health & Safety Department has clear guidelines under the Dubai Building Code and public health bylaws. For rental apartments, the first step is a legal obligation: you must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the mold discovery. They are typically responsible for rectifying issues related to building envelope failures, which this peeling paint and hidden mold likely indicates. Do not proceed with removal yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and violate disposal regulations.

For the actual remediation, DM guidelines mandate that any mold affecting an area larger than approximately 1 square meter (10 sq ft) must be handled by a DM-approved environmental hygiene company. This is not a simple cleaning job. The protocol involves strict containment, use of HEPA filtration, and the safe disposal of contaminated materials as biological waste. The underlying cause of the moisture intrusion—likely a hidden pipe leak or condensation issue—must also be identified and repaired to prevent recurrence.

Given that you found it behind a bookshelf and it has caused paint failure, this suggests a long-standing moisture problem. I strongly recommend a professional inspection to assess the full extent. Our company can provide a DM-compliant assessment report for your landlord.

For immediate guidance on compliant remediation, you can call the Dubai Municipality call center at 800 900 or contact us directly at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com for a certified inspection.