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

This is a very common issue we see in Marina and other coastal towers here in Dubai. The high ambient humidity, especially during summer and the recent foggy periods, penetrates the building envelope. While your AC removes some moisture, standard split units are not designed for precise humidity control in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like closets.

Regarding responsibility, it's a nuanced issue. Under typical Dubai tenancy contracts (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable, which includes addressing inherent ventilation or construction defects that cause chronic dampness. However, the tenant is usually responsible for day-to-day living maintenance and managing internal humidity generated by activities like drying clothes indoors.

Your first step is to formally notify the building management. The issue could stem from a faulty building pressurization system, blocked external ventilation ducts, or even a leaking pipe within the wall – all of which are their responsibility. Request an inspection. Simultaneously, inform your landlord in writing. If the problem is deemed due to the building's design or a structural fault, they should rectify it.

For immediate action, I highly recommend a professional IEQ inspection. Our team can perform moisture mapping and hygrothermal analysis to identify the exact moisture source and quantify the humidity levels. This evidence is crucial for determining liability. We can then advise on the correct remediation, which may involve installing a dedicated, ducted dehumidification system for that area – a small desiccant dehumidifier is often the most effective solution for closet-sized spaces in our climate.

Don't let mold spread; it's a health hazard. For a definitive assessment, call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We provide detailed reports that can be used with your landlord or building management to resolve the issue properly.