Should I report bedroom closet mold to my Dubai landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, you should report this to your landlord immediately. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing leaks and the resulting dampness that causes mold. Your discovery on an exterior wall strongly suggests a hidden leak from a pipe or, more commonly in Dubai, condensation from an AC duct running within the wall cavity.

For a temporary, small patch (under one square foot), you can clean it with a diluted vinegar solution to prevent immediate spread. However, simply cleaning the surface mold is a temporary fix. The underlying moisture source must be identified and repaired, which is the landlord's legal obligation. Given the location on an exterior wall and the current high humidity, the problem is likely systemic and will recur without professional intervention.

Document everything: take clear, dated photographs of the mold and communicate your findings to the landlord in writing (email is best). They should arrange for a professional inspection to locate the moisture source. A proper remediation involves fixing the leak, drying the structure, and then removing the contaminated materials. Due to Dubai’s climate, unresolved dampness leads to rapid regrowth and can compromise indoor air quality.