Black mold behind wardrobe: tenant or building management responsible?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description of a damp wall and recent black mold growth behind the wardrobe in your Jumeirah Village apartment, this is almost certainly a building envelope issue, not a tenant-caused problem.

In the UAE, particularly Dubai, responsibility is typically dictated by the rental contract and the Dubai Tenancy Law. The general principle is that the landlord or building management is responsible for the structural integrity of the property, including the external walls, roofing, and plumbing embedded within the walls. Since the wall itself is damp, this points to a potential leak from a pipe within the wall, a crack in the building's exterior allowing moisture ingress from the humidity and rain, or a failure in the internal air conditioning condensation drain line. These are all structural/maintenance issues, making it the responsibility of the property owner or management.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself, as disturbing it can release harmful spores. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. A certified mold inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact origin of the water intrusion without destructive testing.

Once the leak is fixed by the responsible party, professional remediation is crucial to safely remove the mold and ensure it doesn't return due to residual moisture.

For a definitive assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report that clearly outlines the cause, which is essential for determining liability.