Is black mold behind wardrobe urgent for landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, this is urgent to address and you should notify your landlord immediately. The combination of persistent coughing in children and visible black mould growth constitutes a habitability issue under Dubai rental regulations.

The humidity we experience, especially during summer and the recent foggy periods, creates ideal conditions for mould behind furniture where air circulation is poor. This is a very common issue in villas and apartments here. The landlord is typically responsible for resolving the underlying cause of the moisture, such as checking for a leaking pipe in the wall or inadequate external waterproofing that is allowing dampness to seep in.

For your family's health, it is advisable to have a professional inspection. They can identify the mould species through lab testing to confirm its type and assess the spore levels in your bedroom's air. This data is crucial, as it moves the conversation with your landlord from a cosmetic complaint to a documented indoor air quality issue. Do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the respiratory irritation.

Until it is addressed, improve ventilation in the room as much as possible and consider moving your children to another room to sleep. Keep a record of all communications with your landlord regarding the issue.