Black mold behind wardrobe: landlord or inspector first?« Back to Previous Page

Document the mold with clear photos and notify your landlord in writing immediately. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing leaks and resultant mold that are not caused by tenant negligence.

Given its location on an exterior wall in JVC, this is likely due to a hidden water leak from faulty sealing or condensation from the AC unit, both common issues in our climate. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the problem.

For a case with visible spreading, a professional inspection is prudent before any remediation. An inspector can identify the exact mold species and, crucially, locate the moisture source—which is the only way to prevent recurrence. They use tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras to find hidden dampness. The landlord is responsible for the fix, but your own inspection report provides concrete evidence of the issue's severity and scope, ensuring the repair addresses the root cause and not just cosmetic cleaning.