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

Based on the description of black spots, a damp smell, and exacerbated allergies, this is a classic case of active mold growth, a common issue in Dubai's climate. The high humidity, especially during summer months, combines with year-round AC use to create significant condensation issues, particularly in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces like closets on exterior walls.

Regarding landlord responsibility, UAE law, specifically Article 13 of Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai (as amended), places the obligation on the landlord to conduct all necessary maintenance for the property. This includes addressing the underlying cause of the mold, which is a building defect or failure of the property's systems. The root cause is likely inadequate insulation within the wall (a "cold bridge"), a leak in the plumbing or AC condensation drain line, or a failure of the building's external waterproofing. These are structural issues the tenant cannot and should not be responsible for fixing.

You are responsible for informing the landlord of the issue in writing immediately. However, you should not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize spores, significantly worsening the indoor air quality and your husband's allergy symptoms.

This situation requires a professional inspection to identify the precise moisture source and the extent of the infestation. We strongly recommend you call a certified mold inspector from Saniservice. Our experts use thermal imaging and moisture meters to diagnose the hidden cause and provide a definitive report for your landlord, outlining the necessary remediation steps. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.