Is mold in wardrobe landlord's or tenant's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), responsibility hinges on the source of the moisture causing the mold. If the mold is due to a structural issue like a hidden leak in the wall, a faulty external sealant, or poor building insulation leading to condensation, it is the landlord's obligation to repair the leak and rectify the resulting damage.

However, if the moisture is tenant-induced—from drying wet clothes inside the wardrobe, storing damp items, or significantly poor ventilation within the room—then the responsibility for remediation falls to you. The recent humidity spike is a key factor; Jumeirah Village Circle apartments are highly susceptible to condensation forming on cooler exterior walls, especially behind large furniture where air circulation is blocked.

Your first step is to inform your landlord or property manager in writing with clear photos. They should arrange for a professional inspection to diagnose the moisture source. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this only removes the visible stain and can exacerbate the problem by adding moisture. A proper assessment will determine the cause. For a verifiable result, insist on a moisture meter reading of the wall and, if necessary, surface sampling to identify the mold type, as this provides concrete evidence for liability discussions.