Should I address the musty smell in my closet?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a strange musty smell coming from my bedroom closet. It’s hard to ignore when you can barely open the door without feeling like you’re walking into a damp cave. My landlord hasn’t done any maintenance in ages, and I’m not sure if it’s his responsibility or mine to address this. Should I be fixing this myself or should I bring it up with him?
Posted by Karan Menon
Asked on December 24, 2025 4:02 am
Absolutely, the musty smell and dampness in your closet should be taken seriously. In dubai/uae, humidity can rise significantly during certain seasons, particularly affecting areas like storage closets where ventilation is often poor. This situation could potentially lead to mold growth if not addressed promptly.

Firstly, it's important to understand that mold spores are omnipresent and given the right conditions—such as moisture, darkness, and warmth—they can easily flourish in damp environments such as a poorly ventilated closet after rain or during high humidity periods. The musty smell you're experiencing is often an early sign of mold growth.

Given your circumstances, it would be prudent to conduct a preliminary inspection yourself to assess the extent of any potential issues. Look for visible signs of mold, such as discoloration, spotting, or a slimy texture on surfaces like walls, corners, or inside closet doors. Also, check for mustiness by opening up any damp areas and observing if there's an increased presence of mold spores.

However, due to the importance of accurate diagnosis and the potential health risks associated with mold exposure (particularly in sensitive individuals), I would recommend scheduling a professional inspection as soon as possible. In dubai/uae, it's common for companies like saniservice to offer comprehensive mold testing services. You can contact them by calling 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 or emailing hello@saniservice.com.

If the assessment confirms mold growth, remediation steps will be necessary. This could include cleaning and drying affected areas, ensuring proper ventilation, and addressing any underlying moisture issues such as leaks or poor drainage near your closet. Sanitization of surfaces may also be required to prevent further spread and recurrence.

Remember, in dubai/uae, it's generally the landlord’s responsibility to maintain a safe living environment free from health hazards like mold. However, you should discuss with your landlord about who will cover any remediation costs. If they are reluctant or refuse to take action, documenting the issue (with photos and notes) can be beneficial for future reference.

In conclusion, addressing this situation promptly is crucial not only for your peace of mind but also for maintaining a healthy living environment. Don't hesitate to consult professionals who specialize in mold inspection and remediation in dubai/uae.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on December 26, 2025 9:35 pm