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

That dark, fuzzy patch is a strong indicator of a moisture issue, and the damp smell on your clothes confirms active growth. In Dubai's climate, this is often caused by condensation from AC units or, as you noted, high humidity events like heavy dew. The closet's lack of air circulation allows that moisture to settle and feed mould.

Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is typically responsible for rectifying issues related to the property's structure and maintenance. Since this mould is growing on the ceiling and is likely due to a leak, inadequate insulation, or an AC condensation drain problem, it falls under their obligation to provide a habitable property. The recent weather event may have exacerbated an existing, hidden flaw.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing immediately, including photos. They are obligated to investigate and fix the source of the moisture. For a patch that's growing and causing odours, a professional inspection is recommended to identify the exact species and moisture source. Proper remediation involves fixing the water issue first, then safely removing the contaminated materials—simply wiping it can aerosolize spores. A company with its own microbiology lab can provide the documentation needed to verify the problem is resolved, which is useful for both you and the landlord.