Mold behind wardrobe causing coughs: landlord or cleaner first?« Back to Previous Page

Document the mold with clear photos and notify your landlord immediately in writing. Dubai rental law generally holds property owners responsible for addressing structural issues causing dampness and mold, especially if it's affecting health. The humidity here, combined with year-round AC use, often leads to condensation behind furniture placed against exterior walls, which is a common construction flaw they need to rectify.

For your children's coughs, a professional inspection is strongly advised before any cleaning is attempted. The fuzzy black patch and damp wall suggest active growth that could be releasing spores into the air. A proper assessment will determine the moisture source—whether it's a hidden pipe leak, penetrating damp, or condensation—and the extent of growth inside the wall cavity, which you cannot see. Simply cleaning the surface will not solve the underlying problem and the mold will return.

Do not instruct a standard cleaning company to handle this. You need a specialist who can perform diagnostic moisture mapping and, if necessary, controlled remediation to prevent cross-contamination. The goal is to identify and stop the water source, then safely remove the affected materials. After remediation, request a post-clearance air test to verify the spore count in the bedroom has returned to a normal level, which should help alleviate the respiratory irritation.