Mold behind wardrobe: clean myself or call landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Call your landlord immediately. In Dubai's rental market, the landlord is typically responsible for addressing structural issues leading to mold, such as hidden leaks or inadequate insulation. A patch the size of a dinner plate indicates significant moisture accumulation, likely from a seepage issue in the wall or condensation buildup from the villa's AC system against the cold exterior wall.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing a patch that large can release a high concentration of spores into your home's air, potentially worsening your children's respiratory symptoms. The type of mold (black/green) cannot be identified by sight alone; some species require professional remediation. Your priority is to document the issue for your landlord with clear photos and a written notice, citing the potential health impact and property damage.

The underlying cause must be identified and fixed, or the mold will return. This is a common issue in Jumeirah villas after a humid winter, where temperature differences between air-conditioned rooms and warm, moist outdoor air create perfect conditions for condensation on cold surfaces, especially behind furniture blocking airflow. A professional inspection can pinpoint the source—often a leaking pipe, capillary seepage from the ground, or thermal bridging in the wall—and recommend the correct repair and remediation protocol.