Should I contact landlord for bedroom mold in rental?« Back to Previous Page

The wall behind my wardrobe in the bedroom of our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has these black splotches that just appeared over the last few weeks. It’s starting to smell really damp, especially at night. We’ve been renting this place for a year and I’m not sure if this is something I need to handle myself or if I should be contacting the landlord immediately for professional mold removal?
Posted by Christopher Lee
Asked on May 3, 2026 2:30 pm
Yes, contact your landlord immediately. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for addressing structural issues causing mold, including hidden leaks or inadequate insulation. Document the issue with clear photos and a written notice to them, as this creates a formal record.

The damp smell and rapid appearance behind a wardrobe suggest a significant moisture source, likely a hidden plumbing leak or condensation from an AC unit. Given Dubai's high humidity, mold can spread quickly into wall cavities, making DIY removal ineffective and potentially hazardous. A professional inspection is needed to identify and fix the root cause—simply cleaning the surface will not solve the problem.

For your safety, avoid disturbing the area. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen indoor air quality. Keep the bedroom well-ventilated and consider relocating until it's assessed.

The landlord should arrange for a certified mold remediation company to conduct the inspection and removal. The process should include containment, safe removal of affected materials, fixing the moisture source, and verification through post-remediation testing to ensure it is resolved.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 12:11 am