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

Based on your description, this is a situation that warrants immediate and professional attention. The presence of black mold on an exterior wall in Jumeirah is a significant red flag, as it strongly suggests a hidden moisture issue, likely from a slow leak in the plumbing or a crack in the building envelope that is exacerbated by our high humidity and condensation from year-round AC use.

Under UAE rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), structural issues and problems arising from the building's external fabric are typically the landlord's responsibility. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. They are obligated to address the root cause. However, for your health and safety, a professional assessment is crucial before any remediation begins.

Attempting to clean visible mold yourself is highly inadvisable. Disturbing it will release a massive amount of spores into your living space, potentially severely aggravating your allergies and contaminating other areas. DIY methods like bleach are ineffective on porous surfaces and only address the surface discoloration, not the underlying fungal structure.

The correct protocol involves a certified mold inspection to identify the exact species (e.g., toxigenic Stachybotrys) and the full extent of the infestation, which is often far greater than what is visible. This is followed by containment, professional-grade antimicrobial remediation to safely remove the mold, and finally, solving the moisture source to prevent recurrence.

For a definitive assessment and safe, guaranteed remediation, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists. We are equipped to provide a full report for your landlord and execute the necessary solutions. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.