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

Based on the specifics of your situation in Jumeirah Village Triangle, this is a common yet serious issue tied directly to Dubai's high humidity and condensation cycles. The black speckles are a visible microbial colony, indicating an active moisture problem. While you run the AC, an enclosed closet is a dead air space with minimal circulation, allowing condensation to form on cooler walls, especially those adjacent to external bathrooms or kitchens, creating a perfect environment for mold growth.

Regarding responsibility, the answer is nuanced under UAE tenancy law. The landlord is unequivocally responsible for providing a habitable property and for rectifying issues related to the building's structural integrity or inherent defects, such as a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation causing condensation. However, the tenant is typically responsible for maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent moisture accumulation resulting from daily living activities. The constant argument is whether the mold is due to a structural fault (landlord) or lifestyle condensation (tenant).

Given the location and description, a professional inspection is critical to determine the moisture source. This is not a DIY assessment. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to differentiate between a hidden leak and condensation, which definitively assigns responsibility.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and exacerbate the problem. We strongly recommend you contact our team at Saniservice for a comprehensive inspection. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We will provide a detailed report that can be used to liaise with your landlord or building management, ensuring the remediation is performed to IICRC standards, protecting your health and your deposit.