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

The responsibility typically falls on the landlord to rectify the root cause of the mold, which is likely excess moisture. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords must provide a property that is habitable and maintained in good condition, which includes addressing structural issues leading to dampness and mold growth. The persistent dampness in an enclosed closet, despite constant AC use, points to a potential issue with the room's insulation, a leaking pipe within the wall, or inadequate ventilation—all of which are the landlord's responsibility to investigate and fix.

As a tenant, your responsibility is to maintain the property through routine cleaning and to report any issues like this promptly in writing. For compensation for your damaged items, this becomes more complex and often depends on your tenancy contract and whether you can demonstrate the landlord was negligent in addressing a reported issue. Document everything: take clear photos of the mold and the damaged belongings, and formally notify your landlord or property manager of the problem immediately, requesting a professional inspection to find the moisture source.

Given Dubai's high humidity, closets on external walls are common problem areas due to condensation. Simply cleaning the visible mold won't stop it from returning. A proper inspection can identify if the issue is condensation, a leak, or negative air pressure from the AC unit that is drawing humid air into the space. The remediation process should involve fixing the moisture source, professionally cleaning the affected area, and potentially improving ventilation. For a definitive answer on responsibility, reviewing your contract and seeking advice from the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center is recommended.