Is landlord responsible for mold in humid villa closet?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, landlord-tenant responsibility for mold is typically determined by the cause, as outlined in Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai. The landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property and fixing issues with the building envelope, such as leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate insulation that leads to condensation. As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property through adequate ventilation and routine cleaning to manage everyday humidity.

Your situation suggests an underlying moisture issue. The sudden appearance of mold on an interior wall and personal items in a previously problem-free villa, coinciding with a spike in humidity, often points to a hidden leak or insufficient insulation causing condensation within the wall cavity. This is a structural concern the landlord should address.

First, notify your landlord in writing with clear photos, detailing the extent of the mold and the musty odor. Request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source—this is crucial. Simply cleaning the visible mold without fixing the root cause will lead to rapid regrowth. For your health and to prevent further damage to your belongings, move the leather bags and any affected clothing to a dry, well-ventilated area immediately.

Given Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use, condensation within poorly insulated exterior walls is a common, verifiable problem. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. A certified mold inspection report from a company with its own microbiology lab can provide the necessary evidence to demonstrate the structural nature of the problem, separating it from simple tenant maintenance.