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

The dampness and black spots are a classic Dubai issue, caused by a combination of year-round AC use creating condensation and high ambient humidity. Your first step is to move the wardrobe away from the wall to allow air circulation and stop the spread immediately.

Contact your landlord first, as structural dampness is typically their responsibility to rectify under Dubai rental laws. They are obligated to provide a habitable property, which includes addressing moisture intrusion. Document the issue with clear photos and a written request. They will usually send their own maintenance team to assess the source—often a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or severe condensation.

If the landlord is unresponsive or the problem recurs, then seek a professional inspection. A dedicated indoor health company can identify the mold species and moisture source with tools like thermal imaging and lab analysis of swab samples. This data is powerful for ensuring the landlord completes a proper fix, not just a superficial clean. For a small, contained area, cleaning with a vinegar or diluted bleach solution may suffice after the moisture source is repaired, but professional remediation ensures hidden mold in the wall cavity is addressed. The key is stopping the water first; without that, the mold will return.