Is landlord responsible for closet mold from AC moisture?« Back to Previous Page

This is likely a condensation issue, which is very common in Dubai due to the high humidity and constant AC use. The black speckles are mould, and the AC is creating the cold surface on that outside wall where warm, humid air condenses, providing the moisture mould needs to grow.

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for fixing the underlying cause of the moisture intrusion if it is a structural or maintenance issue. This includes problems with the building envelope, faulty AC drainage, or inadequate insulation on that cold wall. However, if the moisture is solely due to tenant lifestyle (e.g., lack of ventilation), the responsibility may shift. Given that the issue is localized to an exterior wall and is tied to AC operation, this strongly suggests a building-related thermal bridge or condensation point, which is the landlord's obligation to rectify.

Do not use bleach. It only removes surface colour and does not address the moisture source or the root of the problem. More importantly, improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and worsen your allergy symptoms.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, describing the issue and including photos. Request that they investigate and repair the source of the condensation. For documentation and health reasons, a professional inspection can identify the exact mould species and the precise cause of the moisture, which provides concrete evidence for your landlord. In many cases, the fix involves improving wall insulation or correcting the AC's drainage and airflow. Until it's resolved, regularly wiping the closet walls with a diluted vinegar solution can help manage the growth, but this is only a temporary measure.