Mold in closet: landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility hinges on whether the issue stems from the building's structure or your use of the property. In Dubai, landlords are legally required to provide a habitable property free from defects, including those causing dampness and mold. This typically includes structural leaks, faulty external waterproofing, or a broken central AC system that fails to control humidity.

Tenants are responsible for issues caused by their own actions, like inadequate ventilation, blocking AC vents, or introducing moisture sources. Given your description—an interior closet on an inside wall in an old Deira building with a seemingly ineffective dehumidifier—this strongly suggests a building-wide ventilation or latent moisture issue. The year-round AC operation in our climate is crucial for dehumidification; if the system is underperforming, condensation forms, especially in enclosed, stagnant spaces like closets.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing black mold can spread spores. A proper inspection will determine if the cause is a leak, rising damp, or insufficient ventilation. The landlord is generally obligated to address the root cause and the resulting damage. For verifiable evidence, a mold test from an independent lab can identify the species and confirm the contamination level, which strengthens your case if the landlord is unresponsive.