Is landlord responsible for closet mold after Dubai rains?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for the structural integrity of the property. Mold resulting from water ingress through walls, roofs, or window seals after heavy rain is considered a structural maintenance issue, making it the landlord's obligation to remediate. The persistent high humidity and condensation issues in Dubai's climate can exacerbate such problems, especially in enclosed spaces like closets on exterior walls.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, about the issue. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source—whether it's a leak from the rains or another cause like an internal AC condensation line issue.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. However, if the moisture problem is determined to be caused by tenant behavior (e.g., lack of ventilation, blocking AC vents with stored items), the responsibility for cleaning could shift to you. For a strong musty smell and visible growth, a professional assessment is advised to identify the mold type and proper remediation method, as improper cleaning can spread spores.