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

The master bedroom closet in our Marina apartment has felt damp for the last couple of months, and I just found a few of my jackets have mold spots on them. The dehumidifier in the AC unit seems to be running, but it's clearly not enough for that enclosed space. Who is responsible for dealing with this—am I supposed to buy my own portable dehumidifier, or is my landlord required to address the underlying humidity issue in the apartment?
Posted by Fahad Khan
Asked on March 11, 2026 1:38 pm
Based on UAE Civil Code and the standard Ejari tenancy contract, landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing structural or systemic issues that lead to excess humidity and mold growth. This is not considered normal wear and tear.

In your Marina apartment, a persistently damp closet leading to mold on personal belongings indicates an underlying issue that the landlord is typically responsible for rectifying. The AC's dehumidifier is part of the overall building system, and if it's insufficient for an enclosed space, the root cause could be poor insulation, leaking pipes within the walls, or inadequate ventilation design – all structural concerns. Simply placing a portable dehumidifier is a temporary mitigation measure, not a fix for the source of the moisture.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including photos of the mold. They should arrange for a professional inspection to diagnose the cause. Persistent dampness can indicate serious hidden problems that, if left untreated, can compromise indoor air quality and the building's structure.

For a definitive assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, I highly recommend a professional indoor environmental quality inspection. Our certified team can identify the exact moisture source, assess the mold proliferation, and provide a detailed remediation protocol. This report is often crucial for ensuring the landlord takes appropriate action.

Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 13, 2026 6:26 am