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

Based on the description of black speckles on an external wall in Jumeirah Village Circle, this is a classic case of condensation-related mold growth, a very common issue in Dubai due to the high humidity and constant air conditioning use. The external wall is likely a "cold bridge," where the temperature difference between the chilled interior and the hot, humid exterior causes moisture to condense inside the wall cavity, creating the perfect damp environment for mold to thrive on the organic materials in the drywall and dust.

You should absolutely notify your landlord immediately. According to typical UAE tenancy contracts, the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the property's structure, including addressing moisture ingress and resultant mold that originates from the building envelope. Do not attempt a significant cleanup yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination to your belongings and the wider apartment. Disturbing the mold could also void any claim with the landlord by altering the evidence of the defect.

The most effective, permanent solution requires a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source. The remediation process is technical: it involves isolating the area, using HEPA filtration to clean the air, safely removing the contaminated materials, treating the underlying structure with antimicrobial agents, and applying preventative coatings. Your winter clothes will likely require professional hygienization to prevent reinfection.

For a certified inspection and a remediation protocol that you can present to your landlord, contact our specialists at Saniservice. We can provide a detailed report on the cause and the necessary corrective actions. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.