Black mold in bedroom closet: DIY fix or call landlord?« Back to Previous Page

This is a serious moisture issue that requires immediate attention. Given the location on an exterior wall and the damp feel, this is likely condensation from the thermal bridge between the cool interior and Dubai's humid exterior air. The recent heavy dew has exacerbated it.

Your first call should be to your landlord. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), structural issues causing water infiltration and mold are typically the landlord's responsibility to rectify. Document the issue with clear photos and a written notification. They are obligated to address the root cause, which is the moisture intrusion.

For a temporary DIY measure while you wait, you can clean the surface with a solution of white vinegar or a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Wear an N95 mask and gloves. However, this is only a surface fix. The mold will return unless the underlying dampness is resolved.

The landlord will likely need to engage a professional. The repair involves identifying and sealing the point of moisture ingress from outside and possibly improving insulation on that wall. A professional assessment is crucial, as the mold growth inside the wall cavity could be far more extensive than what is visible. Simply cleaning it without fixing the cause is a wasted effort in our climate.