Black mold behind wardrobe—emergency for landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should contact your landlord immediately. This is a habitability issue, and in Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for resolving structural moisture problems that lead to mold. Document the issue with clear photographs before moving anything.

The persistent dampness you feel, especially at night, is a classic sign of a condensation issue, common here due to the high humidity and constant AC use. The wall behind the wardrobe is a cold spot with no air circulation, causing moisture to condense and mold to grow. Simply wiping the spots won't solve the underlying problem.

For an effective, permanent fix, the landlord must first identify and repair the moisture source. This could be inadequate insulation in the external wall (a common issue), a small plumbing leak, or excessive indoor humidity. The mold itself should be assessed—while many types are just allergenic, some can be more problematic. A professional inspection can identify the species and extent. Remediation involves physically removing the contaminated material, treating the area, and ensuring the wall is completely dry before repainting with mold-resistant paint. Merely spraying a disinfectant is a temporary fix. Until it's resolved, improve air circulation around the wardrobe and consider using a dehumidifier in the room.