Is landlord responsible for mold removal in rental wardrobe?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, landlord responsibility for mold removal depends on the source of the moisture. If the mold is due to a structural issue like a leaking pipe, a crack in the wall, or faulty waterproofing, the landlord is typically responsible for the repair and subsequent remediation under the rental law's requirement to provide a habitable property.

However, if the humidity and condensation are a result of tenant lifestyle—such as inadequate ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or improper AC use—the tenant may be liable for the cleanup costs. Given your description of damp clothes and constant AC use in Jumeirah's high humidity, the cause is likely environmental condensation, a common issue where responsibility can be ambiguous.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property manager in writing with photos, as this starts a paper trail. They should arrange an inspection to determine the moisture source. For a growing patch, a professional assessment is wise to identify the mold type and the exact cause; self-cleaning with bleach often fails to address the root moisture problem and can simply disturb spores.

Until resolved, improve airflow by not overpacking the wardrobe and ensuring the AC is set to a consistently cool temperature to reduce condensation. A dehumidifier can help manage ambient moisture in the room.