How to remove black mold and inform landlord in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Black mold in a closet on an exterior wall is a classic sign of condensation due to the temperature difference between your air-conditioned room and the humid outside air. For a patch smaller than one square meter, you can handle it yourself with proper precautions.

Wear an N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses. Mix a solution of one part distilled white vinegar with four parts water. Spray the area until damp, let it sit for an hour, then scrub with a stiff brush. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and ensure the area is thoroughly dried. Do not use bleach, as it only removes the surface color and can push the mold deeper into porous materials like drywall.

You must address the moisture source. This is almost always condensation from the "cold bridge" of the exterior wall. Improve air circulation in the closet by leaving doors ajar, using a small desiccant dehumidifier, or ensuring your AC is running efficiently to manage indoor humidity levels, which are exceptionally high in Dubai for much of the year.

Legally, under the Dubai Rental Law, structural issues and defects related to the building envelope (like a leaking pipe in the wall or faulty external waterproofing) are the landlord's responsibility to fix. Since this is on an exterior wall and appeared suddenly, it is strongly advisable to inform your landlord in writing. This creates a record that you have reported a potential structural moisture issue. You can state you are handling the superficial cleaning but request they investigate the root cause to prevent recurrence. For a recurring or larger infestation, a professional inspection with moisture mapping is needed to diagnose the hidden problem.