Black mold behind wardrobe: contact landlord or cleaning company?« Back to Previous Page

Contact your landlord first, as this is a structural maintenance issue they are typically responsible for rectifying. The recent humidity has created ideal conditions for mold growth, especially behind furniture where air circulation is poor.

In Dubai villas, this is a common problem. The landlord should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source—it could be a hidden pipe leak, condensation from the AC, or moisture wicking through the wall from outside. Simply cleaning the visible mold without fixing the underlying cause will result in it returning quickly.

For a proper assessment, the process should include a moisture meter reading of the wall and surrounding areas to locate the dampness. The inspection will determine if it's a simple fix or requires more extensive remediation. While many general cleaning companies offer mold services, the key is finding one that provides diagnostic evidence, not just surface cleaning. The best outcome is a report for your landlord that identifies the root cause with data.

Keep the area well-ventilated until it is addressed. Do not attempt to scrub it yourself, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen indoor air quality for your family.