Black mold in closet: report landlord or hire professional?« Back to Previous Page

First, document the mold with clear photos and immediately notify your landlord or property management in writing. Under Dubai rental law, structural issues like this, often stemming from external wall leaks or condensation, are typically the landlord's responsibility to investigate and remediate.

Given Dubai's high humidity and the mold's location on an exterior wall, the source is likely a hidden leak or significant condensation within the wall cavity. A professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the moisture source, as simply wiping the visible mold will not stop it from returning. They will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to pinpoint the issue.

For treatment, the landlord should hire a reputable remediation company that follows IICRC standards. The process involves isolating the area, removing affected porous materials like drywall or insulation, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment. Crucially, they must fix the underlying moisture problem. Request a post-remediation verification (PRV) test from a third-party lab to confirm the spore count has returned to normal indoor levels.

While waiting, keep the closet door open and ensure good air circulation with a fan to help reduce humidity. Do not attempt to bleach it, as this can exacerbate the problem.