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

As a certified building environmental specialist operating in Dubai, I can confirm this is a very common issue in the UAE's climate. The persistent dampness and mold growth in your closet are clear indicators of a chronic humidity problem that your constantly running AC is failing to address.

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing systemic issues that affect the indoor environmental quality, such as faulty or improperly sized air conditioning systems, inadequate insulation, or construction defects that allow humid air infiltration. Since the problem is localized to a closet, it's likely a ventilation issue, potentially a blocked or non-existent return air grille, which is a building infrastructure flaw. The landlord is typically responsible for rectifying this.

However, you must first formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, giving them a reasonable timeframe to investigate and resolve the issue. Do not attempt to fix it yourself, as improper handling can spread mold spores.

Given the visible mold growth, this requires professional assessment. A certified inspector can use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause—whether it's a lack of ventilation, a negative pressure issue, or a hidden leak. Self-bought dehumidifiers are a temporary fix that won't solve the root cause.

For a definitive inspection and remediation plan, we recommend you call our specialists at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a comprehensive report that can be used to formally request repairs from your landlord.