is closet mold the tenant's or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Your situation is a common issue in Dubai, especially in areas like Marina with high humidity. The responsibility depends on the root cause of the moisture.

Generally, if the mold is due to a structural issue with the building—like a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or a construction defect allowing water ingress—it is the landlord's responsibility to rectify. The Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) requires landlords to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing structural problems that lead to dampness.

However, if the moisture is a result of tenant behavior—such as inadequate ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or overfilling the closet preventing air circulation—the responsibility for remediation may fall to you. The persistent humidity, combined with cold walls from year-round AC, creates a prime environment for condensation and mold in enclosed spaces like closets.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or building management in writing, with photos. They should investigate for a structural cause. For a definitive answer, a professional inspection can identify the moisture source. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. In the interim, improve ventilation by leaving the closet doors ajar and using a dehumidifier to help slow the spread.