Who is responsible for rental apartment mold: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Excellent question, and a very common issue we encounter in Dubai, especially in coastal areas like Marina. The high salinity in the air combined with our extreme ambient humidity creates a perfect storm for moisture problems in buildings.

The responsibility for treating humidity damage in a rental apartment is not always clear-cut and depends on the source of the moisture. According to common interpretations of UAE rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property. This includes issues like water seepage from external walls, faulty waterproofing, or a malfunctioning central AC system that is not properly dehumidifying the air. If the dampness on your closet wall is due to water ingress from the building envelope, that is unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to rectify.

However, the tenant is responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, which is a frequent cause of mold in closets. If the issue is solely due to lifestyle factors (e.g., not using the AC, drying clothes indoors) and not a structural defect, the cost of remediation could fall to the tenant.

Given your description—location in a high-rise, damp walls, and damage to personal items—this strongly suggests a potential building envelope or HVAC issue. You must formally notify your building management and landlord immediately in writing. They should conduct an investigation. For a definitive assessment of the moisture source, I highly recommend a professional inspection. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause and provide a legally-defensible report.

Don't delay, as mold can spread rapidly. For a professional evaluation, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.