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

Black mold in a wardrobe is typically a landlord’s responsibility to remediate and repair, as it usually stems from a building-related moisture issue, not tenant behavior. Under Dubai tenancy law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to provide a property that is habitable and in good repair.

The landlord’s claim about AC usage is a common deflection. While AC combats humidity, a persistent mold problem often points to a deeper issue like a hidden water leak from a pipe or external seepage, inadequate insulation within the wall, or poor ventilation design. The high ambient humidity in Dubai can cause condensation inside walls if insulation is insufficient, creating the perfect damp environment for mold to grow from the inside out.

Your responsibility as a tenant is to properly ventilate the space and use the AC to manage humidity, which you are already doing. Document everything: take clear photos of the mold’s progression and the AC thermostat showing it is running. Communicate with the landlord in writing, politely stating the issue persists despite your preventative measures and formally requesting an inspection for the underlying cause.

For a definitive answer on the moisture source, a professional inspection is crucial. An inspection uses moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the leak or condensation point, providing a scientific report that clearly identifies the cause. This report is powerful evidence to present to your landlord. If the landlord remains uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai, presenting your documentation and any professional findings.