Black mold behind wardrobe: call landlord or professional?« Back to Previous Page

Contact your landlord immediately and document everything with photos. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and habitability, which includes addressing hidden mold issues caused by building envelope leaks or inadequate ventilation. This is not considered normal wear and tear.

Given the symptoms and visible growth, this requires professional assessment. The high humidity here accelerates mold growth behind furniture where air doesn't circulate. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the air quality, potentially intensifying the coughs. A proper remediation company will contain the area, use HEPA filtration, and identify the moisture source—often condensation from an AC unit or a slow leak in the wall.

For verification, choose a provider that offers independent lab analysis to identify the mold species. This report is crucial evidence for your landlord and for understanding any health implications. While you wait for action, improve airflow in the room and keep the children out of the area. The landlord should cover the cost of both the investigation and remediation if the root cause is a building-related issue.