AC mold in closet: call landlord or cleaner first?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom closet has been leaking a little for the past few weeks and I just pulled out a stack of shoes to find black and green fuzzy mold all over the back wall and several pairs. It smells really damp and earthy in there. What’s the fastest way to get this properly cleaned and who should I call first, my landlord or a professional cleaning company?
Posted by Rashid Al-Sabah
Asked on April 14, 2026 6:55 am
Contact your landlord immediately, as this is a maintenance issue they are responsible for addressing under Dubai rental law. Document the damage thoroughly with photos and a written notice to create a record. The leak must be repaired first; otherwise, any cleaning will be ineffective as the mold will return.

Given the visible growth and damp smell, this requires professional remediation, not just a surface wipe. The enclosed closet space and the porous materials affected (shoes, drywall) mean spores are likely embedded. A reputable indoor environmental company can properly contain the area, remove contaminated materials, and clean the space with specialized agents to address the root problem.

In Dubai's high humidity, mold can regrow within 48 hours if the moisture source isn't eliminated and the area isn't dried completely. After the leak is fixed, insist on a professional assessment to ensure the wall cavity behind is dry and free of hidden growth. A company with microbiological testing can verify the cleanup's success with post-remediation testing, which is a concrete result you can provide to your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 14, 2026 8:21 pm