Is closet mold my responsibility or landlord's?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you've described—dampness on an interior wall and active mold growth—this is highly indicative of a building envelope or HVAC issue, not merely a result of ambient humidity. In the UAE's harsh climate, this is a common but serious concern.

Legally, your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to general upkeep and ventilation. Under standard Dubai tenancy contracts (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing structural defects and inherent issues with the building's systems that lead to moisture intrusion and mold. Since the AC is running constantly yet failing to control humidity in that specific area, it strongly suggests an underlying problem. This could be inadequate insulation within the wall (a huge issue here with exterior heat load), a breach in the vapor barrier, or poor HVAC duct balancing failing to deliver sufficient dry air to that closet.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos. This documents the issue and starts the clock on their responsibility to rectify it. Do not attempt to remediate significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can spread spores.

For a definitive assessment of the moisture source and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly, I strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection. We can identify the root cause with moisture meters and thermal imaging and provide a report you can submit to your landlord.

Call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. This will protect your health and your personal property from further damage.