Mold behind wardrobe: call landlord or inspector first?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's climate, that dampness and black growth behind a wardrobe is a common issue, often caused by condensation from the AC unit meeting the cooler external wall. You've identified the source of the problem correctly.

Your first call should be to your landlord or property management company. Under typical Dubai rental contracts, the landlord is responsible for resolving structural and maintenance issues like this, which includes investigating and fixing the source of the moisture intrusion. Document the mold with clear photos and send them in your communication, noting its proximity to the AC vent and the damp wall. They will likely dispatch their maintenance team to assess the leak and repair it.

However, for the mold itself, do not let them simply wipe it away. Surface cleaning without addressing the moisture and identifying the mold type is ineffective and can aerosolize spores. Once the leak is fixed, a professional inspection is advisable to assess the extent of growth within the wall cavity and to recommend a proper remediation protocol, especially given your children's symptoms. A proper assessment involves more than a visual check; it should include moisture mapping and, if necessary, air or surface sampling to identify the species, as some types common in damp indoor environments here can be more irritating. This evidence-based approach ensures the problem is solved for good.