Am I or the landlord responsible for closet mold repair?« Back to Previous Page

This is a very common and serious issue we see in Deira apartments, especially with the high humidity. The short answer is that responsibility is typically divided: the landlord is responsible for fixing the structural defect causing the moisture, while you, as the tenant, are responsible for the cleaning and remediation of the mold itself, provided it was caused by a building issue and not tenant negligence.

Under UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structure and ensure it is habitable. A leak in the wall is a structural defect, and they are responsible for its repair. You must formally notify them in writing (email is best for a paper trail) of the issue immediately.

However, the resulting mold growth and damage to your belongings often fall to the tenant to address through cleaning. The constant dehumidifier is a good attempt, but it's only treating the symptom, not the cause. The leak is introducing more moisture than any appliance can remove.

Crucially, that black spotted mold needs professional assessment. What you're describing sounds like it could be Stachybotrys, a toxigenic mold that requires specialized remediation for safe removal. Disturbing it yourself can aerosolize harmful spores. You need a certified inspection to identify the mold type, moisture source, and scope of contamination.

My strong recommendation is to first notify your landlord about the suspected leak. Then, get a professional inspection to document the cause and extent. This report will be vital for any discussions with your landlord about remediation costs. For immediate assistance with testing and a detailed report, you can reach our team at 800-MOLDS or hello@saniservice.com. Don't delay, as this will only worsen.