Mold in Dubai closet: call landlord or inspector first?« Back to Previous Page

Document the mold with clear photos and notify your landlord in writing immediately. Tenancy law in Dubai generally places the responsibility for structural repairs, which includes moisture intrusion in walls, on the property owner.

Given Dubai's climate and the recent condensation event, this is likely due to a small thermal bridge on that external wall where warm, humid air is meeting a cold surface and condensing. The visible spots suggest a localized moisture issue, but it can indeed spread within the wall cavity.

For a small, surface-level patch (under ~1 square foot), a landlord may authorize a simple clean-and-paint repair. However, since you suspect it's behind the drywall, a professional inspection is strongly advised before any remediation begins. An inspector will use moisture meters and thermal cameras to map the extent of the problem within the wall, which is critical for a proper fix. Simply cleaning the surface will fail if the moisture source inside the wall isn't addressed.

The inspection report will provide your landlord with the evidence needed to understand the required scope of work, ensuring the repair is done correctly to prevent rapid recurrence. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter through Dubai's Rental Dispute Center, but a professional assessment is your first step for an evidence-based resolution.