Is closet mold in our apartment a health risk?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, closet mold in your apartment is a health risk that needs to be addressed. Your wife's stuffy nose and headaches are common symptoms of mold exposure, particularly in a sleeping area where exposure is prolonged overnight. The recent humidity and fog have created the perfect conditions for existing dampness to develop into a visible infestation.

In Dubai's climate, interior cold walls behind closets are prime locations for condensation to form when the AC is running, providing the constant moisture mold needs to grow. This is a very common issue in UAE residences.

For a situation involving visible spread and health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the moisture source and the mold species. Surface cleaning alone is often insufficient if the root cause, like a hidden leak or insulation issue, isn't fixed.

Regarding responsibility, the Dubai Rental Law typically places maintenance and structural issues, such as leaks in walls or faulty insulation that cause dampness, on the landlord. However, you are responsible for informing them of the issue in writing immediately. Document the mold with photos and send a formal notification to your landlord or property management company, citing your wife's health symptoms. They are generally obligated to investigate and rectify the source of the problem. The responsibility for cleaning your personal items, like the affected shoes, would fall to you. Do not attempt to clean the wall yourself with bleach, as this can aggravate spores and fails to address the underlying moisture problem.