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

The wall behind our bedroom wardrobe in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment has these big black splotches of mold. It's been getting worse since the humidity really kicked in a few weeks ago, and now our whole room smells damp. We've been renting this place for about a year. Am I responsible for getting this cleaned myself, or is this something I need to report to the landlord to fix?
Posted by Brian Smith
Asked on March 20, 2026 4:23 pm
Based on the details you've provided, the situation in your Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment is a common yet serious issue in Dubai's climate. The persistent high humidity and year-round reliance on air conditioning create significant condensation risks, especially behind large furniture items like wardrobes that restrict airflow against exterior walls.

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the source of the moisture. According to standard tenancy contract interpretations (EJARI), the landlord is responsible for resolving issues related to the building's structural integrity or inherent defects. This includes problems like leaking pipes within the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation that leads to condensation—which appears to be the likely culprit here. As a tenant, you are generally responsible for mold caused by your own negligence, such as inadequate ventilation or failure to use the AC.

Given the extent you describe ("big black splotches" and a pervasive damp smell), this is not a simple surface cleaning task. The mold has likely penetrated the wall material. Attempting to clean it yourself with bleach or store-bought solutions will only temporarily remove surface discoloration while leaving the root moisture problem and active colony intact, allowing it to return, often worse than before.

Your first step is to formally report this in writing to your landlord or property management company, emphasizing the potential for structural damage and health concerns. We strongly recommend you insist on a professional inspection to correctly identify the moisture source. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause, whether it's a condensation issue or a hidden leak.

For a definitive assessment and a permanent solution, please contact our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection and receive a remediation plan that addresses both the mold and its underlying cause.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 22, 2026 2:17 pm