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

Based on the conditions you've described in your Deira apartment, this is almost certainly the responsibility of the landlord to rectify. The persistent damp smell and subsequent discovery of black mold indicate a systemic moisture issue, likely stemming from a hidden plumbing leak within the wall, a compromised building envelope, or severe condensation due to inadequate insulation—all of which are structural issues a tenant is not responsible for.

Under typical UAE rental law, specifically Dubai's Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), the landlord is obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes addressing structural defects and faults that affect the tenant's enjoyment of the property, such as water infiltration and the resultant mold growth it causes. The tenant's responsibility is generally limited to reporting the issue in a timely manner, which you have now done. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photographs, and request immediate action to identify the source of moisture and perform the necessary remediation.

Given the extent you describe ("covering a good portion of the back wall"), a professional inspection is critical. In Dubai's climate, with high humidity and year-round AC use, what you see is often just the surface manifestation of a larger problem. Improper remediation can exacerbate spore dispersal and health risks. Our team at Saniservice uses specialized tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact moisture source behind walls before executing a controlled remediation process to ensure it is resolved permanently and safely.

For immediate advice and to schedule a professional assessment, we recommend you call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as this can be hazardous to your health.