Are tenants or landlords responsible for closet mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

Tenants are typically responsible for mold removal in Dubai, but the underlying cause must be addressed by the landlord. Your tenancy contract is the primary guide; many standard agreements place the onus of routine maintenance and cleaning, which includes surface mold from daily living, on the tenant.

However, if the mold is due to a structural issue—like a hidden water leak from a pipe, a crack in the external wall, or faulty AC drainage—that is the landlord's responsibility to repair. The high humidity in Dubai, especially during summer, can cause condensation that leads to mold in poorly ventilated spaces like closets, but a persistent problem often points to a building defect.

For your situation in JVC, the spreading black spots behind the closet are a serious sign. Document it thoroughly with photos and dates to show the progression. Inform your landlord or property management in writing immediately. They should send a technician to investigate for leaks or insulation problems. Do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach, as this only bleaches the surface and won't address spores or the root moisture source.

A professional inspection is needed to diagnose the source. If the landlord disputes responsibility, a certified lab test can identify the mold species and help determine if it's an environmental issue from the building's structure, which would firmly place remediation under their obligation.