Is landlord responsible for closet mold from damp wall?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, responsibility for mold remediation depends on the source of the moisture. If the dampness is due to a structural issue like a leaking pipe inside the wall, a faulty AC condensation drain line, or inadequate insulation leading to condensation, it is typically the landlord's responsibility to fix. This is considered a maintenance issue affecting the property's habitability.

Since the mold is on an interior wall and coincided with high humidity, the cause could be interstitial condensation—where warm, humid air penetrates the wall and condenses on a cooler surface within. This is a common issue in Dubai's climate due to the extreme temperature differential between the air-conditioned interior and the exterior heat. A professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source, which is crucial for determining liability.

As a tenant, your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos. They are generally obligated to address the root cause. However, you are likely responsible for cleaning your personal belongings, like the clothes, to prevent cross-contamination.

Do not attempt to clean the wall yourself with bleach, as this only removes surface discoloration and can exacerbate the problem by adding moisture. The underlying dampness must be resolved first. For a confirmed case of persistent dampness, a specialist inspection with moisture mapping is the most reliable way to provide evidence of a structural cause.