Who to call first for black mold: landlord or cleaner?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing more than usual and I finally checked behind the wardrobe in our Jumeirah villa bedroom – there's a huge patch of black mold on the wall! It must have been growing since that humid spell we had a couple of weeks ago. What's the fastest way to get this professionally cleaned and who should I call first, a cleaning company or my landlord?
Posted by Betty Lewis
Asked on March 26, 2026 5:00 pm
Based on the severity of what you've described in your Jumeirah villa, you absolutely need to call a professional mold inspection and remediation company first, not a general cleaner and not your landlord as the immediate first step.

Here’s why: A standard cleaning company will not have the expertise or equipment to properly identify the species of mold, assess the root cause (like a hidden leak or the high humidity you mentioned), or contain the spores during removal to prevent them from spreading throughout your home. Improper handling can make the situation significantly worse for your family's health, especially with kids experiencing respiratory issues.

Your legal obligation as a tenant in Dubai is to notify your landlord promptly of the issue. However, we strongly recommend you get a professional assessment done first. A certified inspector will provide a detailed report identifying the moisture source and the type of mold present. This report is crucial evidence for your landlord, proving the extent of the problem and the necessary remediation steps. It moves the conversation from a simple complaint to a documented environmental health issue that they are obligated to address under your tenancy agreement.

Once you have the report, you then formally notify your landlord, providing the findings. They are typically responsible for repairs to the structure (like fixing a leak) and covering the cost of the professional remediation. Do not attempt to remove a large patch of black mold yourself.

For a proper assessment and safe removal, you need to call specialists. Contact us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 29, 2026 1:12 pm