Who to call first for black mold in rental home?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing for a couple of weeks and I finally pulled their dresser away from the wall in our Jumeirah villa. There's a huge patch of black mold behind it, probably from a slow AC leak. What's the best way to handle this safely and who should I call first, a mold remediation company or my landlord?
Posted by Ryan Davis
Asked on May 18, 2026 5:10 am
Document the mold with clear photos and immediately notify your landlord in writing. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and addressing issues like water leaks that lead to mold. Your written notification starts the clock on their obligation to respond and rectify the issue.

Given the size of the patch and the AC leak as a probable cause, a professional mold inspection is the necessary next step. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and spread them throughout your home, potentially worsening your children's coughs. The inspector will identify the mold type, locate the moisture source (like the suspected AC condensate drain leak), and determine the extent of the contamination.

Your landlord should arrange for both the AC repair and the mold remediation. A reputable remediation company will follow a strict containment protocol to prevent cross-contamination, physically remove the moldy materials, and HEPA-vacuum the area. They should also provide verification, typically through post-remediation testing, that the space has been returned to a normal fungal ecology. In the meantime, improve air circulation in the room and keep the children away from the affected area.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 19, 2026 6:34 pm