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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it’s from the mold I just found behind our bedroom wardrobe in our Jumeirah apartment. It’s a pretty big patch of black and green fuzz that I only noticed when I was moving furniture to rearrange the room. We’ve had the AC on constantly for months, but the room still feels damp. How urgently do I need to get this professionally treated, and is this something I should notify my landlord about immediately?
Posted by Charles Smith
Asked on May 20, 2026 4:17 am
Yes, this situation requires immediate attention and you should notify your landlord promptly. In Dubai's climate, a patch of visible mold behind furniture, accompanied by persistent dampness and health symptoms like coughing, indicates an active moisture problem that will not resolve on its own.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best), as they are typically responsible for resolving the underlying structural or maintenance issue causing the dampness, such as a leaking pipe, faulty AC condensation drain, or inadequate external sealing. The Dubai Rental Law generally holds landlords responsible for maintenance of the property's core structure and systems. Include clear photos of the mold and a description of the dampness and your children's symptoms. Do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and only addresses surface discoloration, not the root moisture.

Given the health symptoms and the size of the patch, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the exact moisture source and the extent of the growth, which may be more widespread inside the wall. The constant AC use, while cooling the air, may be contributing if the unit is oversized, underperforming, or has a blocked drain line, causing excessive condensation and creating the damp conditions mold needs to thrive in our humid environment. A proper assessment can pinpoint this and guide the necessary remediation and repairs.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 21, 2026 9:44 pm