Black mold in closet: call landlord or cleaner first?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description, this is a classic case of mold growth driven by the UAE's high humidity and a likely thermal bridge on that external wall. The black spots are almost certainly a mold colony, and the location—a closet against an exterior wall—points to condensation forming due to the temperature difference between the air-conditioned interior and the hot, humid exterior.

The correct first point of contact is your landlord or building management. Under Dubai rental regulations (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for addressing structural issues that lead to habitability concerns, which includes moisture intrusion and resultant mold. They should dispatch a maintenance team to investigate and rectify the source of the moisture, which is the only way to achieve a "for good" solution. Simply cleaning the visible growth without addressing the root cause will result in rapid regrowth.

However, a standard maintenance cleaner is not equipped for proper mold remediation. Their action may agitate the spores, spreading them throughout your apartment. Once the landlord has confirmed they will fix the moisture source, you should engage a professional mold remediation company like Saniservice. We conduct a detailed inspection, including moisture mapping and possibly air quality testing, to determine the extent of the contamination. The remediation process involves containment of the area, HEPA filtration, antimicrobial treatment of affected surfaces, and safe disposal of porous, contaminated materials like certain fabrics.

For a definitive assessment and to prevent potential health risks from airborne spores, I recommend a professional inspection. You can contact our specialists at Saniservice for a consultation by calling 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or emailing hello@saniservice.com.