Black mold in closet: clean myself or inform building management?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold in a closet on an outside wall is a common issue in Dubai, often caused by a combination of high outdoor humidity and cold spots created by air conditioning, leading to condensation inside the wall cavity.

For the jackets and other soft goods, do not attempt to clean them with bleach. For non-porous items, a solution of white vinegar or a dedicated mold remover can be effective. Porous materials like leather or fabric may require professional cleaning to salvage them.

Before cleaning the wall itself, you must determine the moisture source. This location suggests it could be condensation from the AC or, more seriously, a leak in the building envelope. Wiping the visible mold with a vinegar solution is a temporary measure, but it will return if the underlying moisture issue isn't fixed.

In the UAE, the responsibility typically depends on the source. The tenant is responsible for contents and interior surface cleaning. However, if the mold is originating from a structural issue, leaking pipe in the wall, or faulty external waterproofing, it becomes the building management's responsibility to investigate and repair. You should absolutely inform them, as the problem is on an outside wall. Request that they send a technician to check for leaks and assess the wall's insulation, as this is a known failure point in many buildings.

For a confirmed black mold infestation of this nature, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the exact species and the full extent of the growth, which can often spread behind walls. They can use moisture meters and thermal cameras to find the source and provide documentation for building management if repairs are needed.