Is landlord responsible for closet mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the specific conditions you've described in your Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment, this is a highly common issue in Dubai's climate. The persistent dampness and subsequent mold growth in a closet, despite continuous AC operation, typically point to an underlying moisture issue that is the landlord's responsibility to address.

The primary cause is likely inadequate ventilation or a hidden defect, such as a leaking pipe within the wall, insufficient insulation leading to condensation (a frequent problem when cool interior air meets the building's warm exterior walls), or a malfunctioning AC unit that is not effectively dehumidifying the air. UAE tenancy law, particularly Law No. (26) of 2007, regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in Dubai. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property in a condition that is habitable and to undertake all necessary maintenance for the property's major systems and structure. Since the mold is stemming from a structural or systemic issue (excess moisture infiltration or AC performance), the remediation of the cause falls to the landlord.

You, as the tenant, are responsible for general day-to-day cleanliness and for using the AC appropriately to manage humidity, which you are already doing. The discovery of mold on personal items like jackets indicates a serious and persistent environmental problem that requires professional diagnosis.

I strongly recommend you formally request a professional mold inspection from your landlord. A certified inspector can perform moisture mapping and air quality testing to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture—whether it's condensation, a leak, or another fault. This evidence-based report will definitively establish liability. For immediate assistance with inspection and a comprehensive report to present to your landlord, contact the experts at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. They can provide the technical documentation needed to resolve the responsibility issue and execute the necessary remediation. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can spread spores and exacerbate the problem.