Is my landlord responsible for closet mold from humidity?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Law No. 5 of 1985, your landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing structural or systemic issues that lead to excessive indoor humidity and mold growth. The persistent dampness you're describing, where walls feel cool and moist despite constant AC operation, points to a potential issue with the property's envelope or the HVAC system itself, not just ambient weather.

Constant AC in our Dubai climate should dehumidify, so if humidity remains high, the unit may be undersized, faulty, or there could be an insulation or vapor barrier breach in the exterior walls. This is a building integrity issue, placing the responsibility on the landlord to investigate and remediate the root cause. Simply wiping the mold is not a fix; the moisture source must be eliminated.

However, for immediate personal belongings like your leather bags, you should move them to a drier area to prevent further damage. A portable dehumidifier can be a temporary solution for the closet, but it treats the symptom, not the disease.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the exact cause. Our experts can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and HVAC performance checks, to provide a definitive report you can present to your landlord. This is often necessary to compel action. For a thorough evaluation, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.