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

This is a very common issue here in Dubai, especially in high-humidity coastal areas like Marina. Based on your description, this is not a simple surface condensation issue you can just wipe away. The persistent damp smell and the fact that your dehumidifier can't keep up strongly indicate a hidden moisture source, likely a leaking pipe in the wall, faulty AC drain pan overflow, or a breach in the building envelope.

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 intrusion, which is a structural or maintenance defect. Their obligation is to repair the leak, seal the breach, or rectify the faulty AC system that is causing the chronic dampness.

However, the initial mold growth resulting from that defect can sometimes become a grey area. While they must fix the cause, the remediation of the mold itself might fall on you if it's deemed due to tenant lifestyle (like inadequate ventilation). BUT, given that you're running a dehumidifier and the problem is localized to a closet—an area typically affected by structural issues—this strongly points to the landlord's responsibility.

Crucially, do NOT attempt to clean this yourself with bleach. Disturbing visible mold without containment can aerosolize spores throughout your apartment. The black spots indicate a potential toxin-producing species.

You need a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source and the mold type. We provide this service with thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the leak for your landlord, along with a certified lab report. This evidence is crucial for formally requesting repairs. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) to schedule an assessment; we'll provide a report you can submit to your landlord to definitively show this is their responsibility to fix.