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

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as persistent water seepage or faulty external waterproofing that leads to dampness. The black mould behind your wardrobe is a strong indicator of excess moisture trapped within the wall, a common issue in Jumeirah Village Circle and similar communities due to our high humidity, especially during winter months when condensation can form on cooler exterior walls.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos, that there is a dampness issue requiring investigation. They are obligated to address the root cause, which is likely a leak or insufficient insulation. However, if the mould growth was caused by tenant actions like blocking ventilation or improper use of humidifiers, the responsibility for remediation may shift.

For a patch just noticed, you can clean a small area (less than one square meter) with a solution of diluted white vinegar or a dedicated mould remover, wearing gloves and a mask. But this only treats the symptom. Without fixing the moisture source, it will return. The location behind furniture suggests a chronic condensation problem, not a one-time spill.

Given Dubai's climate and the potential for mould to recur, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact moisture source—whether it's a plumbing leak, thermal bridging, or external water ingress. This provides documented evidence for your landlord. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your health, ensure the room is well-ventilated and consider using a dehumidifier to keep relative humidity below 60% while the issue is being resolved.