Is landlord responsible for bedroom closet mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, landlord responsibility for mold removal depends on the cause. The general rule under UAE tenancy law is that the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property and fixing issues related to the building's construction.

The cause here is likely the persistent high humidity interacting with a cold surface, a common issue in Marina apartments. If the mold is due to a structural defect, like a leaking pipe inside the wall, inadequate insulation on that outside wall, or a faulty AC drain line, the repair and remediation cost falls on the landlord. However, if the cause is tenant-related, such as a lack of ventilation in the closet or blocking the AC vent, the tenant may be liable.

Given the description—located on an outside wall and worsening after a humid period—this strongly suggests a condensation issue from thermal bridging, where the cold exterior wall meets the warm, humid indoor air. This is often a construction or insulation problem.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing with clear photos, as they must be given a chance to rectify the issue. For a case this significant, a professional inspection is crucial to determine the exact moisture source. A proper assessment can identify if the wall has a hidden leak or insufficient vapor barrier, which is key evidence for your discussion with the landlord. Do not attempt to clean extensive black mold yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. Remediation involves fixing the moisture source first, then properly containing and removing the contaminated materials.