Black mold behind wardrobe: landlord's responsibility or DIY fix?« Back to Previous Page

That black mold behind the wardrobe is a common issue in Dubai, especially on exterior walls in humid climates like Silicon Oasis. The dampness you feel is the core problem—mold is just the symptom. It's likely caused by a combination of high humidity, condensation from your AC unit, and potentially a minor leak or capillary action from the building slab.

In the UAE, the landlord is generally responsible for fixing the source of the moisture, as per regulations like Dubai's Law No. 26 of 2007 (amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), which mandates that the property owner must maintain the unit to be habitable. This includes addressing structural leaks or faulty insulation causing the dampness. You should notify them in writing immediately, as they are obligated to investigate and repair the root cause.

However, for a proper fix, simply wiping the mold away is insufficient. The drywall may need to be cut out and replaced if the moisture has penetrated deeply. For a small area, you can clean it yourself with a solution of diluted white vinegar or a specialist mold remover, but this is only a temporary measure if the dampness isn't resolved.

Given the symptoms your kids are experiencing, a professional inspection is wise to identify the mold species and the exact moisture source. We can conduct a moisture mapping survey and air quality tests from our lab to provide documented evidence for your landlord and ensure the remediation is done correctly, preventing it from returning. The goal is to fix the wall, not just clean the surface.