Who is responsible for mold in my rented apartment closet?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for mold in a rental property is typically determined by the cause. Since the mold is on an outer wall, the first step is to identify if there's a structural issue like a hidden water leak or inadequate insulation causing condensation. Under standard Dubai tenancy contracts, structural repairs are the landlord's responsibility.

However, the constant AC use is a key factor. While AC reduces humidity, if the unit is undersized, set too cold, or not properly maintained, it can cause condensation to form on colder surfaces like exterior walls, creating the perfect environment for mold. Tenant liability can come into play if the issue is deemed a result of inadequate ventilation or failure to use the AC appropriately to control humidity.

Document everything immediately. Take clear photos of the mold and the affected clothing. Inform your landlord in writing about the problem, as they are obligated to provide a habitable property. For the clothes, check your personal contents insurance policy, as standard landlord building insurance rarely covers tenant belongings.

Given the location in JVC and the sudden appearance, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to pinpoint the exact moisture source. A proper assessment can determine if the issue is a repairable leak, a construction defect, or an environmental control problem, which will definitively assign responsibility for the remediation costs.