How to clean black mold in Dubai rental closet?« Back to Previous Page

This is a common issue in Dubai due to the high humidity and temperature differential between air-conditioned interiors and the hot exterior walls. The dampness suggests a condensation or minor infiltration issue, which is the root cause you must address.

For a small patch, you can clean it yourself safely. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a mixture of water and detergent. Avoid bleach, as it doesn't prevent regrowth and can damage paint. After cleaning, thoroughly dry the area with a fan. For porous materials like drywall, if the mould has penetrated, the affected section may need to be cut out and replaced. Check your winter clothes; wash or dry-clean any items that were in direct contact with the mould.

The responsibility depends on the source. As a tenant, you are typically responsible for the interior maintenance and cleaning. However, if the dampness is due to a structural defect, such as a crack in the external wall or a leaking pipe within the building's structure, it becomes the building management's responsibility to repair it. You should contact them to report the issue and request an inspection to determine the cause. Under Dubai rental laws, the landlord is obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity.

If the mould returns after cleaning and drying, or if the patch is larger than one square meter, a professional inspection is recommended to identify the exact moisture source and species of mould, as some types require specific remediation protocols. In many cases, resolving the underlying humidity or condensation problem with improved ventilation or a dehumidifier is necessary to prevent recurrence.