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

Based on the Dubai climate and the conditions you've described in your Marina apartment, this is a very common issue. The persistent high humidity, even with AC running, often leads to condensation within poorly ventilated spaces like closets on exterior walls. This creates the perfect environment for mold growth.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing the source of the moisture. The mold on the wall is a symptom. The underlying cause could be an inadequate or malfunctioning AC system failing to manage humidity, insufficient insulation within the wall (a common issue leading to condensation), or even a hidden water leak from plumbing or the building envelope. These are structural issues that fall squarely on the landlord's obligations.

However, your responsibility as a tenant is to properly ventilate the area and report the issue promptly. Do not attempt to clean this yourself with bleach or other retail products. This only addresses the surface contamination and can exacerbate the problem by adding moisture. More critically, improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic mold spores, spreading them throughout your apartment and creating a significant health hazard.

This situation requires a professional inspection to definitively identify the moisture source and the species of mold present. We strongly recommend you contact your landlord immediately and request a professional assessment. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause and provide a remediation protocol. For immediate assistance, you can call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.