Is landlord responsible for closet mold on outer wall?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the details you've provided, this situation is highly indicative of a building envelope or structural moisture issue, not merely a surface-level condensation problem. The location on an outer wall in Jumeirah is a significant red flag. The recent humidity spike has likely exacerbated a pre-existing issue, such as a hidden leak from a cracked sealant, faulty waterproofing, or a breach in the external wall, allowing humid air to infiltrate and condense within the wall cavity.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing defects in the main building components, such as the external walls, waterproofing, and the building envelope. Since the mold is manifesting on an outer wall, the root cause is almost certainly a structural defect that falls under the landlord's legal obligation to rectify.

However, do not attempt to clean this yourself with a standard cleaner. This is a serious case. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize spores, contaminating your entire apartment and HVAC system, and posing health risks. The musty smell on your clothes confirms the spores are airborne.

You must inform your landlord in writing immediately, requesting a professional mold inspection to identify the moisture source. We strongly recommend a certified inspection from a company like Saniservice. Our experts use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact intrusion point, which is critical for forcing the landlord to make a permanent repair, not just a superficial clean-up.

For immediate advice and to schedule a professional assessment, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.