Black mold behind wardrobe: landlord or specialist in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Notify your landlord immediately and send them clear photos of the black spots. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for addressing structural issues like this, especially since it's on an exterior wall. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper handling can disturb and spread the spores.

The location behind a wardrobe against an exterior wall is a classic sign of condensation mould. It's caused by the temperature difference between the air-conditioned room and the humid outside air, creating a cold surface where moisture condenses. This is a common issue in Dubai's climate, particularly after humid periods.

Your landlord should arrange for a professional inspection. A legitimate specialist will not just wipe the surface; they will use a moisture meter to identify the exact source of the dampness and perform an air or swab test to identify the mould type. This diagnostic step is critical—remediation without fixing the underlying moisture problem will lead to it returning quickly.

For a case like this, remediation typically involves isolating the area, removing the contaminated material (like the affected section of drywall or paint), HEPA vacuuming, and applying antimicrobial solutions. The wardrobe may also need to be inspected and cleaned. Always request a post-remediation verification test to confirm the mould levels have returned to a normal ecological range.