Is landlord responsible for black mold behind wardrobe?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract provisions, the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects. The black mold behind your wardrobe, exacerbated by the constant AC use and persistent dampness, is a significant concern. In Dubai's humid climate, this scenario is often caused by a condensation issue from a poorly insulated external wall or a hidden water leak from plumbing or AC drainage within the wall cavity. This is a structural or maintenance defect, not a result of tenant negligence, placing responsibility on the landlord to investigate and remediate the source.

The mold is a health hazard, likely aggravating your allergies, and has caused property damage to both the wall and your personal belongings, such as clothes. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, detailing the issue and including photographs. They are obligated to arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source.

Attempting to clean it yourself is not advised, as disturbing the mold can release a high volume of spores. The remediation process requires professional containment, specialized antimicrobial agents, and HEPA filtration to ensure it is resolved safely and completely. For a thorough inspection and certified remediation that addresses the root cause, I strongly recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.