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

This is a very common issue here in Dubai, especially in areas like Marina with high humidity and sea air. Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for maintenance is generally split. The landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the building and for fixing issues related to the main construction. This includes problems with the external building envelope, faulty AC central systems that don't dehumidify properly, or leaks originating from another apartment or common area.

However, as a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and habitable condition, which includes ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent condensation buildup—a primary cause of mold. Since the issue is isolated to a closet, it often points to a lack of air circulation. Running the AC is good, but closets and enclosed spaces need airflow; leaving the doors ajar or using a small dehumidifier can make a huge difference.

The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the problem. They should send a technician to inspect. It's crucial to determine if the mold is superficial (your responsibility to clean) or if it's being caused by a hidden leak or faulty construction (their responsibility to remediate). Given the visible growth, I strongly recommend a professional mold inspection to identify the moisture source and species of mold. This provides a technical report that clearly outlines the cause and required remediation, which is essential for determining liability.

For immediate advice and a definitive inspection to protect your health and your deposit, give our specialists a call at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide the documentation you need.