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

Good question, and it's a very common issue here in Jumeirah Village Circle and across Dubai due to our high humidity levels.

First, the landlord is typically responsible for addressing the underlying cause of the mold if it stems from a structural or maintenance-related defect. This is outlined in Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). If that dampness in your closet is due to a hidden water leak from plumbing, a faulty AC condensation drain line running within the wall, or inadequate insulation – which are all common here – then the repair obligation falls on the landlord. They are required to provide a habitable property.

However, responsibility can become murky if the cause is purely tenant-related, like lack of ventilation or excessive moisture generation inside the apartment without proper AC use. That constant damp feeling you mention is a major red flag for an underlying issue.

Crucially, do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself. Improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue and request a professional inspection. This documents your concern.

We strongly recommend a certified mold inspection to identify the exact moisture source and type of mold. This report will definitively determine liability and the required scope of remediation, which must address the root cause, not just the visible patch. For a professional assessment and to discuss your specific situation, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.