Is landlord responsible for closet mold and damaged clothes?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the symptoms you've described—black spots proliferating on an interior wall following a spike in humidity and a resulting musty odor on stored belongings—this is a classic case of a mold infestation. The primary cause in Dubai's climate is almost always excess moisture, often stemming from a building envelope issue like a hidden plumbing leak, inadequate insulation leading to condensation (especially with year-round AC use), or compromised waterproofing.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing the root cause of the moisture intrusion, such as repairing leaks or fixing faulty insulation. Their obligation is to remedy the defect that allowed the mold to develop.

However, the situation regarding your damaged personal property is more nuanced. The landlord's responsibility typically covers the remediation of the structure itself. For compensation for damaged belongings, you would generally need to demonstrate that the landlord was negligent—meaning they were aware of the moisture issue and failed to act within a reasonable timeframe after you notified them.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the problem, as this starts the clock on their obligation to respond. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and exacerbate contamination.

For a definitive assessment of the cause, the extent of growth (including inside the wall cavity), and a legally defensible report, a professional inspection is critical. We recommend you contact our team at Saniservice for a comprehensive assessment. Our certified inspectors use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air sampling to identify the moisture source and contamination level, providing a clear report for your landlord.

Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can accurately determine liability and provide the necessary documentation for any claims regarding your property.