Should I complain to landlord about musty closet smell?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy rains last month, I noticed a persistent musty smell coming from the bedroom closet. My neighbor mentioned that dehumidifiers can be expensive to run, but I’m unsure if it’s my responsibility as a tenant since we’re living in an old building with poor ventilation. Should I bring this up with the landlord, or is there something else I should consider first?
Posted by Tariq Al-Mansour
Asked on February 2, 2026 6:32 am
Absolutely, it's wise to address the musty smell in your bedroom closet, especially given the recent heavy rains and considering the age of your building. The presence of a persistent musty odor is often indicative of high humidity levels or moisture issues, which can indeed be a concern in Dubai's climate.

Firstly, I would suggest conducting a thorough inspection to determine the source of the smell. Given that you are dealing with an old building, there could be underlying issues such as water damage from the recent rains or inadequate ventilation that need addressing. In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, it is common for buildings to have challenges related to humidity and moisture due to climatic conditions.

It would be prudent to contact a professional environmental inspection company like ours here at Saniservice. We can provide you with a detailed report on the indoor air quality (IAQ) and help identify any hidden sources of moisture or mold growth. The importance of this cannot be overstated, as not only does it affect the comfort and health of tenants but also poses structural risks to the building.

While dehumidifiers are indeed an effective solution for managing humidity levels, their cost can certainly be a consideration. However, if left unaddressed, moisture issues could lead to more significant problems down the line such as deteriorated insulation or even mold growth which may compromise air quality and occupant health. Saniservice offers a range of dehumidifiers tailored to various environments from residential to commercial settings.

If you decide to bring this up with your landlord, it's essential to approach them in a constructive manner. Provide detailed information about the issue, including any observations or documented evidence (such as photos), and suggest possible solutions such as installing dehumidifiers or improving ventilation systems. In Dubai, landlords are generally expected to maintain the structural integrity of their properties; however, tenants also have responsibilities regarding maintaining cleanliness.

Remember that in accordance with UAE tenant-landlord laws, your landlord is responsible for ensuring the premises are habitable and free from health hazards. If they do not address the issue within a reasonable time frame, you might consider escalating the matter to relevant authorities or seeking legal advice.

Call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com if you need assistance with this process or require professional services for remediation. We are here to support you and ensure your living environment is safe and healthy.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 3, 2026 9:31 pm