Who is responsible for damp wall and mold behind wardrobe?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description of a damp wall with black speckles behind a wardrobe in an Al Barsha building, this is a classic case of mold growth due to localized condensation and lack of air circulation, exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and continuous AC use.

Regarding responsibility, the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985) generally places the responsibility for major structural repairs on the landlord. However, the tenant is typically responsible for issues stemming from their own use of the property. A persistent dampness issue likely indicates a potential underlying problem, such as a hidden pipe leak or insufficient external waterproofing, which would be the landlord's responsibility to rectify. The mold growth itself is a consequence of that dampness. Your first step is to immediately notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including photographs. This formally documents the problem and starts the process of determining the root cause.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself with bleach, as this can exacerbate the problem by adding moisture and does not address the source. The first professional step is a comprehensive inspection. A certified mold inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify the exact moisture source and assess the extent of the contamination behind the wall. This evidence is crucial for determining liability and the correct remediation protocol.

For a proper assessment and a definitive solution, I recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. We specialize in diagnosing such moisture issues in Dubai's climate and can provide a detailed report for your landlord. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.