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

This depends on whether the mold is due to a structural issue or tenant lifestyle. In Dubai, landlords are responsible for fixing the source of moisture if it's from a building defect, like a leaking pipe, faulty waterproofing, or a cracked external wall. The recent high humidity can expose these pre-existing issues.

Your situation—mold on an external wall closet—strongly suggests a condensation problem, which is extremely common in Dubai Marina apartments. Walls cool from constant AC use, and when humid air penetrates, it condenses inside, creating a perfect environment for mold. The landlord is typically responsible for remedying the root cause, such as improving insulation or repairing seals. However, you may be responsible for the cleanup of the mold itself if it's determined that inadequate ventilation (e.g., keeping the closet tightly shut) contributed significantly.

Document everything with photos and immediately notify your landlord in writing. For a definitive cause, a professional inspection is needed to identify if there's a latent leak or if it's purely condensation. Do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach, as this can worsen airborne spores. Professional remediation involves containing the area, removing contaminated materials like affected drywall, and using HEPA filtration to clean the air.

For persistent damp smells on clothes, a ozone treatment can help, but addressing the moisture source is critical to prevent recurrence.