Is landlord responsible for wardrobe mold and damaged clothes?« Back to Previous Page

Our bedroom wardrobe, which is on the same wall as the bathroom, has developed a huge patch of black mold. I just pulled out my winter clothes to get ready for the cooler weather and found several jackets ruined. We’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year and the AC is always on. Is the landlord responsible for fixing the cause and replacing our damaged belongings, or is this on us as tenants?
Posted by Ping Phan
Asked on March 31, 2026 9:35 pm
Based on the details you've provided, this situation is highly indicative of a concealed leak or a significant condensation issue, which is typically the landlord's responsibility to rectify under UAE tenancy law. The location of the wardrobe on the shared wall with the bathroom is the critical clue. The persistent use of AC in Dubai's humid climate can often mask underlying problems; the AC manages ambient humidity but cannot mitigate moisture from a constant water source.

The black mold growth is a symptom of excessive moisture. The primary cause could be a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty bathroom waterproofing, or cold bridge condensation due to poor insulation between the cold AC space and the humid bathroom air. As the structural integrity of the building and concealed utilities are the landlord's responsibility, they are generally obligated to investigate and fix the root cause to prevent further damage and health hazards.

Regarding your damaged belongings, liability can be more complex. You must demonstrate that the damage was due to a structural fault and not a tenant-related issue (like failing to ventilate the property adequately). A professional inspection is crucial here. We would perform a comprehensive assessment, including thermal imaging and moisture mapping, to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture intrusion. This detailed technical report is vital evidence for your landlord or the Dubai Rental Dispute Center, as it definitively establishes causation.

For immediate action, I strongly recommend you contact your landlord in writing, inform them of the issue, and request a professional mold inspection. Do not attempt to remove extensive mold yourself, as improper remediation can spread spores and exacerbate the problem. Our certified team at Saniservice can provide the necessary inspection and remediation services to resolve this safely and effectively. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a diagnostic visit.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 3, 2026 9:34 am