Is closet mold on interior wall landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's rental market, the landlord is typically responsible for structural issues and faults that were present before your tenancy, including water ingress or inadequate insulation leading to mold on an interior wall. As a tenant, you are generally responsible for maintenance stemming from daily living, like ensuring adequate ventilation to control humidity.

Given the recent onset linked to high humidity, the cause is crucial. If the mold results from a building envelope issue, like a hidden pipe leak or faulty external waterproofing, it falls to the landlord. However, if it's primarily due to condensation from lack of airflow in the closet (common in Dubai's climate where AC is run constantly), improving ventilation is your first step.

Document the issue thoroughly with time-stamped photos and formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing. They are obligated to investigate the root cause. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can worsen airborne spores and only removes surface discoloration.

For a definitive answer on liability, a professional inspection is needed to identify the moisture source. They can determine if it's condensation or a building defect. This documented assessment is your strongest evidence in any discussion with the landlord. In many cases, remediation requires addressing the underlying moisture problem first, not just wiping the wall.