Should I call landlord or pro for closet mold?« Back to Previous Page

Call your landlord first. In Dubai, tenancy law generally places the responsibility for structural maintenance, including fixing AC leaks that cause mold, on the property owner. You must formally notify them in writing of the issue and allow a reasonable timeframe for them to address it.

Simply wiping the visible mold is insufficient. The leak has likely saturated the ceiling material (plasterboard/gypsum) behind the surface. Mold roots penetrate deeply, and the persistent damp smell confirms the growth is active within the material itself. Effective removal requires fixing the source leak, then cutting out and replacing any water-damaged, mold-infested porous building materials. Surface treatments only temporarily hide the problem.

For a situation involving an AC leak and recurring growth, a professional inspection is strongly advised. They can identify the full extent of the moisture damage and contamination, often with tools like moisture meters and borescopes. The high humidity in Dubai provides the perfect environment for mold to rapidly regrow if not handled completely. A proper remediation process includes containment of the area to prevent spore spread, safe removal of affected materials, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment of adjacent surfaces.

While your landlord is responsible for the repair, they may hire a general handyman who lacks the specific expertise for mold. You can recommend they engage a specialized indoor health company. The most credible providers will offer documentation, such as before-and-after lab reports, to verify the mold levels have been effectively addressed.