Is treating closet mold the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility depends on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for fixing structural defects in the building's envelope that allow water ingress. Your situation on an exterior wall after heavy dew points strongly to condensation from thermal bridging—a common issue here where the cold AC interior meets the humid outdoor air through poorly insulated walls.

You should formally notify your landlord or building management in writing about the potential structural moisture issue. They are typically obligated to investigate and rectify the cause. However, as the tenant, you are generally responsible for the cleaning and remediation of your personal belongings and the interior surfaces once the moisture source is fixed.

Vinegar often fails because it doesn't address the root cause and isn't effective on all mold types. For a recurring problem like this, a professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source and mold species. In a humid climate like Dubai’s, simply wiping it away is a temporary fix. The underlying condensation problem must be solved, often through improved insulation or ventilation, to prevent rapid regrowth.