Is landlord responsible for closet mold in my apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the description you've provided, this is a common but serious issue we encounter in Dubai apartments, particularly in areas like Marina with high humidity. The dark black spots and persistent musty odor are strong indicators of an active mold colony, likely fueled by a hidden moisture source.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure it is habitable. This includes addressing issues like water infiltration or faulty AC systems that lead to mold growth. Since the mold is on the structural wall and not due to your negligence (e.g., hanging wet clothes, blocking AC vents), the remediation responsibility almost certainly falls on your landlord.

However, you must formally notify them in writing of the issue immediately. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination. For a case like this, a professional inspection is crucial. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture—often a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty sealant, or a compromised AC drain pan—which must be fixed first, otherwise the mold will simply return.

I strongly recommend you contact your landlord and request a professional assessment. For an independent evaluation or if they are unresponsive, you can reach our certified team for a thorough inspection and detailed report. Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email us at hello@saniservice.com.