Who to call for mold on wall in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve lived here for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black spots growing along the bottom of the wall behind our sofa in the living room. It’s on the wall that faces the outside, and with all the humidity lately, I’m worried it’s gotten worse. Who is the best professional to call in Dubai to properly assess and remove this, and will this be covered by my building's maintenance or is it my responsibility as a tenant?
Posted by Sandra Young
Asked on April 3, 2026 2:30 am
For a rental in Dubai, you should first notify your building management or landlord in writing, as they are typically responsible for addressing structural issues that cause mold, like leaks or insulation problems. The black spots behind your sofa on an external wall strongly suggest condensation or water seepage, which is common with our high humidity and continuous AC use creating temperature differentials.

For assessment, call a professional mold inspection company. Look for one with certified indoor environmental consultants who can identify the moisture source and the mold species. A proper assessment involves more than a visual check; it includes moisture mapping and often air or surface sampling sent to an accredited microbiology lab to determine the type and concentration, which dictates the remediation method.

Remediation should be handled by a specialized company, not a general handyman. They will contain the area, remove contaminated materials like drywall, use HEPA filtration, and address the root moisture cause. After removal, they should provide verification that spore counts have returned to normal indoor levels.

As a tenant, you are usually responsible for the cost if the cause is your own lifestyle (e.g., lack of ventilation), while the landlord covers it if it's a building defect. Your building management will make that determination after an inspection. Start the process with them immediately to prevent further spread.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 4, 2026 7:46 pm