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

The landlord is almost certainly responsible for remedying the mold and its underlying cause, which is likely a hidden leak or insulation failure. Tenant responsibility is typically limited to damages caused by their own negligence, like failing to use the AC or causing a flood. Since the room is unused and the AC runs constantly, improper ventilation is an unlikely cause.

Mold in Dubai's climate is predominantly driven by persistent moisture intrusion, not short-term airing out. The constant AC use should be dehumidifying the space; the fact that clothes remain damp points to a building envelope issue, such as a leaking pipe in the slab above, compromised waterproofing on the roof, or condensation within the AC ducting itself.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord in writing (email is best), describing the issue and including clear photographs. Politely request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property to ensure it is habitable, which includes addressing structural defects that lead to mold.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as painting over or wiping the patch will not stop the root problem and it will return. A proper remediation requires a moisture assessment to locate the leak, repair the source, and then safely remove the contaminated materials. For a spreading patch of this nature, a professional inspection is strongly advised to provide the evidence needed for your landlord.