Is closet dampness in my rental my or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you've described – dampness on an interior wall closet and mold growth on leather goods – this is a classic case of high humidity, a very common issue in Jumeirah apartments due to the coastal climate.

While your AC is running, it may not be correctly sized, properly balanced, or set to a low enough temperature to adequately remove the latent moisture load from the air. The damp interior wall suggests a potential thermal bridge or insufficient insulation, causing the surface temperature to drop below the dew point, leading to condensation. This is often a building envelope issue.

Under UAE rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing defects in the building's construction that lead to chronic dampness and mold, such as faulty insulation, leaking pipes within the walls, or a fundamentally undersized or malfunctioning central AC system.

Your responsibility as a tenant typically covers ventilation within the leased space. Using exhaust fans, avoiding drying clothes indoors, and ensuring furniture isn't pushed directly against walls for air circulation are your duties.

However, diagnosing the root cause requires a professional inspection. We use thermal imaging cameras to identify cold spots and precise hygrometers to measure humidity levels at the source. This determines if it's an isolated ventilation issue you can manage with a dehumidifier or a systemic building fault the landlord must rectify.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your belongings from further damage, I strongly recommend a professional evaluation. You can reach our team for a thorough inspection at 800-MOLDS or hello@saniservice.com.