Who pays for closet mold remediation, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Under the Tenancy Law in Dubai (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for structural maintenance, including issues with the building envelope that lead to water intrusion or dampness, falls on the landlord. If the mold is a result of a structural defect, like a leaking pipe inside the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or a poorly insulated wall causing condensation, the landlord is typically responsible for the repair and the resulting remediation.

However, the tenant is responsible for damage caused by their own negligence or lack of maintenance. This includes issues stemming from blocking AC vents, failing to ventilate the property adequately, or causing excessive moisture (like drying clothes indoors without proper extraction). In humid climates like Dubai's, where condensation can form quickly on cold surfaces, daily living generates significant moisture that must be managed.

For a closet in JVC, the cause must be diagnosed. It's often a combination of the building's cold wall meeting humid air and inadequate air circulation from a stuffed closet. Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request a professional inspection to determine the root cause. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and worsen allergy symptoms.

A certified mold inspector can identify the moisture source through thermal imaging and moisture meters. If the inspection proves a structural flaw, the landlord should cover all costs. If tenant habits are the primary cause, you would be liable. Given the health concerns and potential for property damage, a professional assessment is the only way to definitively assign responsibility.