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

Based on the details you've provided, this is a significant mold infestation in its early-to-mid stages, and the climate in Jumeirah Village Triangle, with its high humidity and constant AC operation, creates a perfect environment for such growth. The damp, mildew smell on your belongings confirms that the issue is active and has already caused secondary damage.

Under UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing the root cause of the mold, which is almost certainly a building-related issue. The pattern you describe—starting after heavy dew and spreading on an exterior wall—strongly indicates a hidden water intrusion. This could be a leaking pipe within the wall, a crack in the building envelope, or faulty external waterproofing allowing moisture to seep in. These are structural defects the landlord is legally obligated to rectify.

However, your responsibility as a tenant is proper ventilation and routine maintenance to manage ambient humidity, which can be challenging with constant AC use leading to condensation. The landlord's liability for replacing your damaged personal items (shoes, clothing) is less clear-cut and would depend on proving the cause was entirely due to their negligence in maintaining the structure and not a failure to report the initial signs in a timely manner.

For a definitive resolution, a professional inspection is critical. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture intrusion behind that wall. This provides the evidence needed to formally notify your landlord of their specific repair obligations under the law. For the remediation of the mold itself and the hygienization of your affected belongings, our certified teams use industrial-grade HEPA filtration and antimicrobial solutions to ensure the space is safely restored.

I strongly recommend you schedule a professional assessment to document the cause and extent. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate inspection. This will protect your health and your tenant rights.