Is a dehumidifier or landlord responsible for closet mold?« Back to Previous Page

Good afternoon. That's a very common issue we see here in Dubai, especially in areas like Marina with the high humidity levels from the Gulf. What you're describing with the leather goods is a classic sign of a localized humidity problem that your standard split-unit AC isn't addressing.

Your AC cools the air, which does remove some moisture, but it's not a dedicated dehumidifier. Closets, especially exterior-facing ones, are problematic because they are often poorly insulated and have minimal air circulation from the AC system. The cold wall inside the closet can cause moisture in the warmer air to condense, creating that damp feeling and perfect breeding ground for mold.

Regarding responsibility: Under the Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are typically responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable, which includes addressing issues like persistent dampness and mold that stem from building envelope defects, inadequate insulation, or faulty AC systems. However, if the issue is solely due to a lack of air circulation in a closed space, it can become a grey area.

My strong recommendation is to not just buy a dehumidifier yourself. A small desiccant unit might treat the symptom temporarily but won't address the root cause. There could be a more serious issue like a small plumbing leak or thermal bridging in the wall. We need to determine the exact source of the moisture.

This requires a professional inspection with tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify why that specific closet is a problem. Our team can provide a full assessment and a formal report for your landlord if it is indeed their responsibility to remediate.

Please give us a call so we can schedule a proper diagnosis. You can reach our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Let's get that resolved before it affects your health or more of your belongings.