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

In the UAE, the landlord is typically responsible for addressing the structural cause of mold, such as leaks or inadequate waterproofing, while the tenant is responsible for general maintenance and ventilation. The key factor is determining the source. If the mold is on an interior wall and appeared with high humidity, it's likely due to condensation from temperature differences between the air-conditioned room and the non-insulated wall—a common issue in Dubai's climate. This is often considered a maintenance issue.

Check your tenancy contract's "MOU Annexure," which usually outlines maintenance responsibilities. Landlords are generally obligated to provide a habitable property, and persistent mold from a building envelope issue falls under that. However, if the cause is determined to be lack of air circulation in the closet (e.g., packed clothes against the wall, no AC airflow), you may be asked to share remediation costs.

Your immediate step is to formally notify the landlord or property manager in writing with photos, as this is a potential health and property damage issue. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can worsen airborne spores and only removes surface discoloration. For a proper resolution, the root cause must be identified, which often requires a professional inspection to distinguish condensation from a hidden leak. A lab test can identify the mold type, which is crucial for assessing health risks and proper remediation steps for your belongings. Until then, improve airflow to the closet and consider using a dehumidifier in the room.