Mold behind sofa in Dubai apartment: landlord or company first?« Back to Previous Page

This is a classic Dubai issue caused by condensation from constant AC use against a poorly insulated exterior wall. The cold wall meets warm, humid room air, creating persistent dampness perfect for mold growth.

You should notify your landlord first, immediately and in writing (email is best). Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing moisture ingress and mold resulting from building envelope issues like poor insulation or leaks. Provide clear photos of the mold and the damp wall. This establishes a formal record of the problem.

For a patch of that size and due to the health symptoms, a professional inspection is essential to identify the moisture source and mold type. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing it can release a large number of spores. A proper assessment involves moisture mapping and often includes air and surface sampling sent to a microbiology lab to identify the species, which dictates the correct remediation protocol.

A reputable indoor environmental professional can provide the diagnostic report your landlord will need to understand the severity. The remediation process for a wall cavity typically involves containment, HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial application, and addressing the underlying moisture source. For verifiable results, choose a provider that uses lab analysis and delivers a certificate of remediation.