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

Based on the description of the black speckles, persistent damp smell, and the location on an external wall in an older Deira building, this is highly indicative of a significant mold issue, likely stemming from a structural moisture intrusion. The UAE's high humidity, combined with potential thermal bridging in older construction and year-round AC operation, often creates severe condensation issues that tenants cannot control.

Under Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity. This includes addressing the root cause of the mold, such as fixing leaks in the external walls, repairing faulty waterproofing, or resolving seepage issues. The landlord's obligation is to provide a habitable premises, and a structural defect leading to mold growth directly violates this. Your responsibility as the tenant is typically limited to general cleaning and maintenance of the interior space, not remediating a problem caused by a building defect.

However, to enforce this, you must professionally document the source. I strongly recommend a certified mold inspection. A professional will use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and air quality testing to definitively identify if the moisture source is internal (e.g., condensation) or external (a structural leak). This technical report is crucial evidence for your landlord and, if necessary, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to prove liability.

Do not simply clean the visible mold; this is a health risk and does nothing to address the underlying moisture problem. For a definitive assessment and to get the legally required report for your landlord, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.