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

This is a very common issue in Marina apartments, especially with the recent spike in humidity. The short answer is that responsibility typically falls on the landlord for the underlying cause, but the tenant is responsible for reporting it promptly.

Under the Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition and address structural or maintenance issues that lead to problems like mold. This includes fixing the source of moisture, which is often a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate insulation—all of which are structural defects. The black speckles you describe are almost certainly mold growth fueled by this hidden moisture.

However, as a tenant, your responsibility is proper ventilation and immediately reporting the issue. Running the AC is good, but you must also ensure the closet isn't overpacked and that air can circulate. The "damp" smell on your clothes indicates the relative humidity inside the enclosed space is still too high.

My strong recommendation is to first formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing with photos. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this will only temporarily remove the visible stain and not address the root moisture problem. The underlying cause needs to be professionally identified and repaired.

For a definitive assessment of the moisture source and extent, a professional inspection is crucial. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint leaks that aren't visible to the naked eye. This report can then be used to ensure the landlord completes the proper repairs, not just a superficial wipe-down.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate to the Rental Dispute Center in Dubai. For an inspection to document the issue properly, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.