Is black mold in closett landlord's responsibility to fix?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, this is almost certainly black mold, a common issue in Dubai's humid climate, especially in closets on interior walls where condensation builds up. The constant AC creates a temperature differential that leads to damp, stagnant air—ideal for mold growth.

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the structural integrity of the property is the landlord's responsibility. This includes issues like water seepage, leaking pipes in the walls, or faulty insulation that cause chronic dampness. As a tenant, you are typically responsible for maintenance stemming from daily use, but the root cause here appears to be a building moisture issue.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord and building management in writing, with clear photos of the affected grout, shoes, and bags. Request they investigate and rectify the source of the dampness. They are obligated to address the underlying problem. For a closet this advanced, with growth on personal items, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the exact species and moisture source. A certified mold inspector can provide a detailed report, which is powerful documentation for your landlord.

Until resolved, improve air circulation by leaving the closet door open and using a portable dehumidifier. Discard any severely affected porous items like shoes or paper bags, as the mold cannot be fully removed from them. Cleaning is only effective after the moisture source is fixed; otherwise, the mold will return quickly.