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

Based on my professional experience with mold issues in Dubai, the responsibility for addressing mold in your Marina apartment closet is a shared concern between you and your landlord, governed by UAE tenancy law.

The landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes ensuring the building envelope is watertight and that the air conditioning (AC) system, a critical component for humidity control in our climate, is functioning correctly. The persistent black speckles returning after cleaning strongly indicate an underlying moisture source, such as a concealed pipe leak, water ingress from the building facade, or a malfunctioning AC unit causing excessive condensation. These are structural or mechanical faults that fall under the landlord's obligation to rectify.

However, as a tenant, you have a responsibility to properly ventilate the space and use the AC adequately to manage the high ambient humidity, which is a year-round challenge in Dubai, especially in coastal areas like Marina. Storing a large quantity of clothing in a closet without sufficient airflow can create a microclimate perfect for mold growth.

Given that the problem has persisted and worsened despite your efforts, a professional inspection is crucial. DIY solutions like vinegar only address surface growth and will not resolve the root moisture problem. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to precisely identify the source of the moisture without invasive demolition.

I recommend you formally notify your landlord of the issue in writing, requesting a professional assessment. For a definitive diagnosis and a legally compliant remediation report, you can engage our services directly. Saniservice is equipped to provide the necessary documentation to clarify liability and ensure the mold is remediated to international standards. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.