Who is responsible for black mold from AC in closet?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom closet, the one on the inside wall, has had this weird smell for a couple of months that’s getting worse, and I just pulled out all our winter clothes to find the back wall covered in black, fuzzy patches. We live in an older building in Jumeirah and I’m pretty sure it’s from the AC unit’s condensation, but I don’t know if this is something I have to fix myself or if I need to get my landlord to handle it and pay for the cleanup.
Posted by Charles Taylor
Asked on April 12, 2026 5:15 pm
Black mold in a closet from an AC unit is typically the landlord's responsibility to remediate, as it stems from a building system issue. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing leaks and moisture intrusion from fixed installations like air conditioning.

The problem you describe is common in older Jumeirah buildings where AC condensation drain lines can clog or insulation around the units degrades, leading to hidden moisture inside walls. This isn't a surface cleaning task; the moisture source must be identified and fixed first, or the mold will return.

Document the issue thoroughly with clear photos and videos, then notify your landlord or building management in writing. They should arrange for a professional inspection to diagnose the condensation fault. For a growth of this scale, DIY cleaning is not advised, as improper handling can disperse harmful spores. Remediation involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall or insulation, and HEPA vacuuming, followed by repairing the AC leak.

While waiting for a response, keep the closet door closed to contain spores and consider using a portable dehumidifier in the bedroom to lower ambient humidity, which can help slow further growth.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 13, 2026 4:15 pm