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

Yes, this is urgent for both your family's health and to prevent property damage. A large, damp, black patch indicates active growth, and Dubai's high humidity allows it to spread quickly behind walls. The coughing your kids are experiencing is a common reaction to mold spores in the air.

You must notify your landlord in writing immediately. Under UAE tenancy law, structural maintenance and issues affecting the property's habitability are the landlord's responsibility. This includes fixing the source of the moisture (likely a hidden pipe leak or condensation from the AC) and the subsequent mold remediation. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this only addresses surface discoloration and can aerosolize harmful spores.

A professional inspection is critical here. They will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the water source hidden within the wall or floor. The remediation process itself must include containment of the area to prevent spores from spreading to other parts of your home during removal. For a case of this size and with health symptoms present, proper assessment and remediation are strongly advised.