Black mold behind wardrobe: landlord or handle myself?« Back to Previous Page

Contact your landlord immediately. In Dubai, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and addressing issues like dampness and mold that result from building envelope failures, such as a leaking pipe or seepage. Since the wall is damp, this indicates an ongoing moisture source that must be repaired first.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Disturbing a significant black mold colony without proper containment can aerosolize a high concentration of spores throughout your apartment, potentially worsening your children's respiratory symptoms. The most effective approach is a two-step process: first, a professional must identify and fix the source of the dampness. Second, a remediation team should handle the safe removal, which involves isolating the area, using HEPA filtration, and properly disposing of contaminated materials.

Given Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use, hidden condensation leaks are common. A certified inspection can pinpoint the exact cause—often a chilled water pipe condensation drip, a small leak in the wall, or external water seepage—and provide documented evidence for your landlord. For your family's health, consider temporary relocation during the remediation if the colony is large or the coughing is severe.