Black mold behind wardrobe: landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold behind furniture in a Dubai villa is a strong indicator of excess moisture, likely from condensation due to your AC's cooling cycles meeting the humid air or a hidden leak. The lack of sunlight and airflow in that corner creates the perfect environment for it to thrive.

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), structural maintenance, including repairs for water leaks and dampness in walls, is typically the landlord's responsibility. Cosmetic issues like repainting after the fix are usually yours. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos. They are generally obligated to address the source of the problem.

Do not attempt to clean significant black mold growth yourself. Disturbing it without proper containment can aerosolize spores and spread them throughout your home. A professional inspection is needed to identify the exact moisture source—be it a leaking pipe, capillary rise from the ground, or severe condensation—and assess the full extent. Remediation involves fixing the water issue, safely removing contaminated materials, and cleaning the area with specialized agents.

For verification, a company with its own microbiology lab can test to confirm the mold type and provide a documented remediation report, which is useful for your communications with the landlord.