Found mold behind wardrobe in Dubai villa. Landlord or inspector first?« Back to Previous Page

This is very common in Dubai villas, especially in Jumeirah Park where high humidity and year-round AC use create condensation on cold walls, particularly behind large furniture like wardrobes that block airflow. The dampness you feel confirms an active moisture issue.

You should notify your landlord immediately. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), the landlord is generally responsible for resolving structural issues causing dampness, such as potential leaks in the external wall or faulty insulation. Document the mold with clear photos and send a written notification, as this starts the formal process.

For a case like this, involving a toddler and visible growth, a professional inspection is highly recommended before any remediation begins. A proper inspection identifies the exact mold species and, more critically, pinpoints the moisture source—whether it’s an internal leak, condensation, or an external water intrusion. This evidence is crucial to ensure the landlord addresses the root cause and not just the visible mold. A company with its own microbiology lab can provide the concrete data needed for these discussions.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aggravate spores and fail to address the underlying dampness. Keep the area ventilated and ensure your toddler does not have access to it until the situation is assessed.