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

In Dubai's rental properties, responsibility for mold remediation depends on the root cause. The landlord is legally obligated to address issues stemming from the building's structure, such as leaking pipes in the walls, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation. You, as the tenant, are typically responsible for problems caused by occupant behavior, like poor ventilation or lack of AC use that allows humidity to build up.

Given your location in Jumeirah and the description of a consistently damp closet with black speckles spreading on the wall, this strongly suggests a structural moisture issue exacerbated by our high humidity. The recent symptoms also indicate it's an active problem. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request an inspection to determine the moisture source.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this will only remove the visible stain and not address the underlying moisture problem causing the growth. The mold will return. A professional inspection can identify if the issue is a leak from an adjacent bathroom, a poorly insulated exterior wall creating condensation, or another building defect.

For verification, the landlord may commission a moisture survey and mold test from an accredited provider. This provides concrete evidence of the problem's origin. Until the root cause is fixed, consider using a dehumidifier in the bedroom and ensuring the AC is running consistently to help manage the indoor humidity levels that allow mold to thrive.