Recurring closet mold: landlord's responsibility for structural fix?« Back to Previous Page

Recurring mold in the same spot, especially on an exterior wall, strongly indicates an unresolved moisture source. In Dubai's climate, this is often condensation from thermal bridging, where the cold AC meets the warm, humid outside air through a poorly insulated wall. Simply cleaning the visible mold does nothing to address this hidden condensation cycle.

Your landlord is likely responsible for investigating and fixing this. According to Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure it is habitable. A chronic moisture intrusion issue that causes mold recurrence falls under this obligation. You should formally notify them in writing, detailing the recurrence after professional cleaning and your suspicion of an insulation or structural defect.

The long-term solution requires a professional inspection to pinpoint the exact cause. This isn't just another cleaning job. An expert should use a thermal imaging camera to identify cold spots and moisture meters to confirm the wall's dampness levels. The fix could involve improving the wall's insulation, sealing gaps, or installing a vapour barrier to prevent condensation from forming inside the closet. Until the root cause is fixed, consider using a dehumidifier in the room to keep humidity below 50% and ensure the closet door is left ajar for air circulation from the AC.