Landlord responsible for mold in apartment closet?« Back to Previous Page

Good question. This is a very common issue in Dubai, especially in areas like Jumeirah Village due to our high humidity levels and the prevalence of AC systems that can create condensation.

From a technical standpoint, the responsibility hinges on the source of the moisture. Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property and is responsible for the structural integrity of the building. If the mold is a result of a pre-existing building defect—such as a hidden water leak from a pipe in the wall, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate external sealing that allows humid air infiltration—then the remediation and repair costs fall squarely on the landlord.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent condensation buildup. If the mold is solely due to a lack of air circulation in the closet (e.g., from overfilling it or not using the AC properly), the landlord could argue that the tenant is liable for the cleanup.

Given your description—the location along the baseboard and your concern about it spreading behind the wall—this strongly suggests a persistent moisture source that is not simply surface condensation. The dark, fuzzy growth indicates active colonization. This is not a simple wipe-and-clean job; it requires professional inspection to identify the root cause.

My strong recommendation is to immediately notify your landlord in writing and request a professional mold inspection. DIY attempts can disturb the spores and worsen indoor air quality. A certified inspector will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to trace the source and provide a definitive report on liability.

For a thorough assessment, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not delay, as this will likely continue to worsen.