Black mold in closet: call specialist or building management?« Back to Previous Page

Call a specialist. Building management typically addresses structural leaks from common areas, but mold inside your unit—especially on an exterior wall—is almost always the resident's responsibility to investigate and remediate.

The black spots spreading from an exterior wall, worsened by dew, point to condensation due to the temperature difference between your air-conditioned room and the humid outside air. This is a common issue in Dubai's climate. The damp smell on your clothes confirms an active moisture problem.

A proper inspection involves more than a visual check. A specialist should use a moisture meter to quantify the dampness in the wall and take an air or surface sample for lab analysis to identify the mold species. This is critical, as some types require more aggressive containment during removal. The process typically takes a few hours on-site, with lab results following in a couple of days.

For a confirmed case like yours, avoid disturbing the area before testing, as this can release spores. Your priority is identifying and stopping the moisture source—often inadequate insulation on the exterior wall—before any cleaning begins.