Should musty smell be landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy rains last month, I noticed a persistent musty smell in my rented apartment's living room, which gets worse especially during the evening. My landlord mentioned he deals with maintenance issues, but isn't sure about dehumidification. Given that we've lived here for 2 years and this issue is just becoming more noticeable now, should I be concerned about it or does this fall under my landlord’s responsibilities?
Posted by Anita Pillai
Asked on February 15, 2026 1:55 pm
Certainly. The musty smell in your apartment could be an indicator of high humidity levels, which is quite common post-rainfall events, especially in the UAE where we experience variable climatic conditions. According to local regulations and guidelines, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining a habitable living environment that includes managing moisture issues such as mold growth.

In Dubai/UAE, the building codes and laws emphasize the importance of proper maintenance and environmental quality in rental properties (UAE Federal Law No. 15 of 2003). However, the specific duties related to dehumidification can sometimes be a bit grey. The general rule is that landlords must ensure there are no significant health hazards due to poor indoor air quality, which includes addressing visible signs of moisture or mold.

Given your situation, it would be prudent to request professional assistance for an inspection. This will help in determining the exact cause of the smell and the required remediation steps. A certified environmental inspector can provide a detailed report on the dehumidification system's efficiency and suggest necessary actions to mitigate the issue.

It is recommended that you start by documenting the situation, including dates and times when the smell is most pronounced. This will help in establishing a timeline for any potential maintenance issues. Additionally, consider discussing with your landlord about the necessity of an indoor air quality assessment and dehumidification system evaluation.

If necessary, you could also reach out to professional remediation services such as those offered by companies like Saniservice (contact at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com) for a thorough inspection. They can provide expert advice on the best course of action and ensure that any identified issues are addressed properly.

Remember, addressing moisture-related problems promptly is crucial to prevent further damage to your apartment and safeguarding the health of all residents.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 17, 2026 2:18 am