Who should fix mold in my Dubai apartment closet?« Back to Previous Page

First, document the mold with photos and stop using the closet to prevent disturbing spores. In Dubai apartments, responsibility typically depends on the source. If the mold is due to a leak from an external wall, window frame, or internal pipe within the building's structure, it is the building management's responsibility to fix the source. If it's from condensation due to high humidity or a lack of ventilation within your unit, it often falls to the tenant.

Given the location on a back wall in the Marina, a common seaside area for such issues, the cause is likely exterior moisture intrusion from the recent heavy humidity or an internal condensation point. You must report this to your building management or owner immediately. They should send their maintenance team to identify and repair any water ingress source.

For assessment and safe remediation, you need a certified mold inspector, not a general handyman. Look for a provider with IICRC-certified technicians who will perform a proper inspection, likely including moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the moisture source, and can take samples for lab analysis to identify the mold type. The remediation process should involve containment of the area, HEPA-filtered air scrubbers, and proper removal of contaminated materials, not just wiping it down.

Building management might have a preferred contractor, but you can also hire your own independent assessor to ensure an unbiased evaluation. The humid climate here means simply cleaning the visible mold without fixing the underlying moisture problem will guarantee its return.