Is landlord responsible for moldy clothes from closet dampness?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing the source of moisture infiltration that caused the dampness. A persistently damp closet on an exterior wall typically points to an underlying issue like inadequate insulation, a hidden leak, or poor ventilation that they must rectify.

Your responsibility as a tenant is generally to maintain the property through regular cleaning and adequate ventilation to prevent issues that arise from daily living. However, mold growth from a structural dampness problem you didn't cause usually falls outside this scope. The high humidity in Dubai, especially during summer months, can exacerbate these hidden construction flaws, leading to condensation inside closets and on external walls.

For your damaged belongings, document everything immediately. Take clear, dated photos and videos of the moldy clothes and the damp closet wall. Notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail), describing the issue and including the evidence. Request that they fix the moisture source and professionally remediate the mold to prevent it from returning.

It is advisable to request a professional inspection to identify the exact cause of the dampness. A certified inspector can determine if it's due to a building envelope failure, which strengthens your case with the landlord. While negotiating for compensation for ruined items can be challenging, having a professional report linking the damage directly to the property's structural issue is your strongest evidence. For future prevention in our climate, consider using moisture absorbers (like silica gel packs) in closets and ensuring air circulation by not overpacking them and leaving the doors ajar periodically.