Is damp closet and mould a tenant or landlord responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you've described—dampness on an outer wall closet and mold growth on leather goods in a Marina high-rise—this is a classic case of a building envelope issue, likely exacerbated by the high ambient humidity. The constant dehumidifier operation is a major red flag; it's treating the symptom, not the cause.

In the UAE, the responsibility for structural and building envelope integrity, which includes preventing water ingress from outside, falls squarely on the landlord and building management according to Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended). This covers issues like faulty external wall insulation, leaking AC condensation lines within the walls, or compromised window seals. As a tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to maintaining proper ventilation and reporting the issue promptly.

Your first step is to formally document and report this in writing to both your landlord and the building management company. They are obligated to investigate and rectify the root cause. Do not attempt to fix structural issues yourself.

However, to protect your health and property, I strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental quality inspection. We can perform a thermographic scan to identify thermal bridges and moisture mapping to pinpoint the exact source of the intrusion. This data is crucial evidence for your landlord and will determine the exact remediation path.

For immediate advice and to schedule a diagnostic survey, please call our specialists at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Letting this continue can lead to more significant structural damage and potential health concerns from mycotoxin exposure.