Is landlord responsible for hidden closet mold?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE Civil Transactions Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property and for maintaining it in a habitable condition. This includes addressing issues arising from hidden construction defects or leaks in plumbing systems, which are common causes of mold in buildings like yours in Jumeirah Village Triangle.

Since the mold originated from a suspected leak in the adjacent bathroom, this is likely a maintenance issue falling under the landlord's obligation. The fact that it was hidden behind the shelves does not automatically transfer responsibility to you, the tenant. However, you are obligated to report the issue promptly upon discovery to mitigate further damage.

For a case of this severity, a professional inspection is absolutely critical. We need to identify the exact moisture source—whether it's a leaking pipe, faulty shower waterproofing, or even condensation from the AC system. The remediation process itself is highly technical; simply wiping it away is ineffective and can aerosolize harmful spores. It requires containment, air filtration, specialized antimicrobial agents, and moisture control to prevent recurrence.

I strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately and request a professional mold assessment. Our certified inspectors can provide a detailed report on the cause and extent of the contamination, which is often necessary to determine liability and the required scope of remediation work.

For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.