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

Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically determined by the source of the moisture.

The landlord is legally responsible for addressing the underlying cause of the mold if it stems from a structural or maintenance-related defect. This includes issues like leaking pipes within the walls, a faulty AC unit causing condensation, cracks in the building envelope, or inadequate waterproofing that allows moisture ingress from outside. The damp wall you describe strongly suggests such a structural issue, placing the initial responsibility on the landlord to investigate and fix the water source.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining proper ventilation to prevent ambient humidity from condensing, which is a significant challenge in Dubai's climate. Running the AC consistently to control humidity, using exhaust fans, and not overcrowding closets are crucial tenant duties.

Given that your children are experiencing respiratory symptoms and the mold is described as spreading and fuzzy, this is a serious health concern that requires immediate professional intervention. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing toxic black mold (often Stachybotrys chartarum) can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue, detailing the visible mold and the suspected water leak. Request immediate professional inspection and remediation. If they are unresponsive, you may escalate to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC).

For a definitive assessment and to protect your family's health, I strongly recommend a certified mold inspection. Our team at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the species and the exact moisture source, providing a report that can be used with your landlord. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an urgent consultation.