Mold on wardrobe clothes; landlord or tenant responsible?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is generally responsible for repairing the source of the moisture, which is the underlying issue here. Your description of a damp, cold wall strongly suggests a condensation or seepage problem within the building envelope, not a tenant-caused spill. This falls under the landlord's legal obligation to provide a habitable property free from structural defects under UAE tenancy law.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the mold and the damp wall. Do not attempt to remove the mold yourself, as improper cleaning can spread spores. A professional inspection is critical to identify the moisture source—it could be inadequate insulation in the exterior wall (common in JVC with its concrete construction), a hidden pipe leak, or condensation from the AC system creating a cold bridge. The Dubai climate, with its high humidity year-round, exacerbates these issues.

While the landlord handles the structural repair, the mold remediation on your belongings may be a grey area. Check your tenancy contract for clauses about maintenance responsibilities. For health reasons, treat the affected clothes as contaminated; professional cleaning with antimicrobial agents is often necessary to prevent regrowth and health reactions.