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

This depends on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for repairing structural defects and addressing issues originating from the building's common areas, such as a leak from an external wall or a faulty central AC system. This is common in high-humidity areas like Marina, where hidden condensation leaks within walls are a frequent cause of mold.

Your responsibility as a tenant typically covers issues caused by internal condensation or lack of ventilation. However, the persistent damp smell and spread on the wall strongly suggest an external leak or inadequate insulation, which is the landlord's obligation to investigate and repair.

First, notify your landlord and building management in writing with photos, as this is a potential health and property issue. They should send a technician to identify the source. Do not attempt to clean or repaint it yourself, as this will only cover the problem without solving the moisture source, and it will return. The underlying leak must be fixed first.

A professional inspection can determine if the cause is internal condensation from the AC or an external leak. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.