Mold behind wardrobe: contact building management or inspect myself?« Back to Previous Page

First, take photos of the mold and the damp wall for documentation. Since the wall is exterior-facing and damp, this strongly suggests a leak or condensation issue from outside, which is a building envelope problem. In Dubai, this is very common due to the high humidity and temperature differentials causing condensation inside walls, especially behind furniture that restricts airflow.

You should contact building management first. According to typical Dubai tenancy laws and building regulations, the landlord or building owner is responsible for the structural integrity of the exterior walls. Report the issue with your evidence and request they send their maintenance team to identify and repair the source of the moisture intrusion. This is their obligation.

However, do not let them simply paint over it. A moisture source must be fixed first, or the mold will return. For the health of your children, the existing mold needs proper remediation. While building management handles the leak, you should arrange for a professional inspection to assess the indoor air quality and the extent of the mold growth you can't see. A proper inspection includes moisture mapping and often air or surface sampling sent to a microbiology lab to identify the species, as some types can be more problematic for respiratory issues.

Until then, avoid disturbing the area, as this can release spores. Improve ventilation in the room and keep the AC running, as consistent cooling helps reduce humidity levels indoors.