Black mold behind wardrobe: call landlord or remediation?« Back to Previous Page

Document the mold with clear photos and immediately notify your landlord in writing. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and addressing issues like dampness that lead to mold. They should arrange for a proper assessment and remediation.

Given the symptoms and visible growth, this requires professional attention. The black spots suggest a sustained moisture issue, common in villas here from condensation behind cold walls or from a minor, hidden leak. DIY cleaning often fails to address the root cause, and disturbing it can release spores.

A proper inspection identifies the moisture source—be it a leaking pipe, rising damp, or condensation from AC cycles—and the mold type. Remediation then involves containing the area, removing contaminated materials like damaged drywall, and HEPA vacuuming. Simply wiping it is insufficient. For health reasons with children present, a certified company using lab-backed protocols is the safest approach to ensure it's resolved. Your landlord's contractor should provide verifiable before-and-after results.