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

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for repairs related to the structural integrity of the property and issues arising from inherent building faults. The key question is the source of the moisture causing the mold.

If the black grout is due to a leaking pipe in the wall, a faulty window seal allowing humid air in, or inadequate external waterproofing, those are structural issues and the landlord's responsibility to rectify. However, if the moisture is from condensation due to a lack of ventilation inside the closet—a common issue in JVC apartments where AC is run year-round—the responsibility can become less clear. Tenants are generally expected to maintain adequate ventilation to prevent condensation.

Immediately notify your landlord in writing with clear photos, as this is a potential health and property issue. Document the spread since the humidity increased. They should arrange an inspection to identify the moisture source. A professional assessment is often needed to determine the root cause, as simply cleaning the grout will be temporary if the underlying dampness isn't resolved.

For your health and to protect your belongings, keep the closet door open to improve air circulation and consider using a portable dehumidifier in the room. Move any valuable clothing away from the affected area until the issue is resolved. The cost of cleaning your affected personal items may fall to you unless the landlord's negligence is proven.