Black mold in bedroom closet: handle myself or call landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold in a closet on an exterior wall is a common issue in Dubai, often caused by condensation from the temperature difference between the air-conditioned room and the hot outside wall. The high humidity can accelerate its growth.

For a small patch (under one square meter), you can clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a mixture of water and detergent or a dedicated mold remover. Dry it thoroughly, then wipe with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) to disinfect. Fix the moisture source by ensuring the closet is well-ventilated; leave the door ajar and consider a moisture-absorbing product like silica gel.

However, since it's on an exterior wall and has been growing for some time, the moisture issue might be more significant. The mold you see could be just the surface manifestation of a larger problem within the wall cavity. DIY cleaning often only addresses the visible growth, not the root cause.

Under Dubai rental regulations (Law No. 26 of 2007), structural issues and problems arising from the building's integrity are typically the landlord's responsibility. A recurring mold problem due to external wall condensation or potential water seepage falls into this category. You should document the issue with photos and notify your landlord in writing. A professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source—whether it's condensation, a hidden leak, or capillary action—which is essential for a permanent fix. For health safety and to ensure the repair is done correctly, involving the landlord and a professional remediation company is the most reliable path.