Landlord or tenant responsible for bedroom closet mold?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility depends on the cause. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for structural repairs and issues arising from building defects, such as a leaking pipe inside the wall or faulty external waterproofing that allows moisture ingress. Tenants are typically responsible for mold caused by their own actions, like poor ventilation or failing to use the AC to manage humidity.

Given Dubai's high humidity, especially during summer, condensation is a common cause. If the mold is in a closet on an exterior wall, it could be due to a thermal bridge where cold air from outside meets the warm, humid indoor air, creating condensation. The damp smell on your clothes confirms high moisture levels. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, to document the issue. They should arrange for a professional inspection to determine the moisture source.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can exacerbate the problem for some mold types and doesn't address the root cause. A proper inspection can identify if it's a repair issue (landlord's duty) or a maintenance/ventilation issue. For health safety, consider a professional mold test to identify the species; while often just an irritant, some types common in humid climates can warrant more urgent action.