How to clean closet mold and notify landlord in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

That black fuzzy growth in your closet is almost certainly mold, a common issue here due to Dubai's high humidity interacting with cool exterior walls from constant AC use. The damp smell confirms an active moisture problem.

For a small patch (under 1 square meter), you can clean it yourself. Wear an N95 mask and gloves. Scrub the area with a solution of white vinegar or a diluted detergent, not bleach, as bleach only removes the color and doesn't kill the roots on porous surfaces. Dry the area thoroughly immediately after cleaning with a fan or dehumidifier. Discard any heavily contaminated porous items like cardboard boxes or damaged shoes, as mold roots deeply penetrate these materials.

However, since the mold is on an exterior wall, this points to a potential building envelope issue—likely condensation from the temperature difference or a hidden leak. Cleaning the surface mold is a temporary fix; the moisture source must be identified and addressed to prevent it from returning.

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), structural defects and issues affecting the habitability of the property are the landlord's responsibility. A recurring mold problem caused by condensation within the wall or a leak qualifies as such. You should absolutely report this to your landlord in writing. Frame it as a moisture intrusion issue on the exterior wall that has led to mold growth inside the closet. This provides a clear path for them to investigate and fix the root cause, which is their legal obligation. For verification and to provide concrete evidence, a professional inspection with moisture meters and thermal imaging can pinpoint the exact condensation points or leaks.