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

This is a landlord issue. The black spots forming on an exterior wall corner strongly indicate a hidden moisture source, likely from a leak in the building envelope or condensation within the wall cavity. In Dubai villas, this is commonly due to a breach in the external waterproofing or a leaking pipe chase.

Given your sinus issues and the location, this requires professional assessment, not just cleaning. The visible mold is a symptom; the root cause must be identified and fixed to prevent recurrence. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, as they are responsible for the structural repair. Under typical Dubai rental contracts, structural and moisture ingress issues are the landlord's obligation to remediate.

A professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source and the extent of the spread behind the wall. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen your sinus problems. Until it's addressed, keep the closet well-ventilated and consider moving your clothes to prevent cross-contamination. For health verification after the leak is fixed, an independent indoor environmental assessment can confirm the air quality has returned to normal.