Should we complain about persistent humidity to landlord?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a musty smell coming from the corner of my bedroom closet, which is right next to the bathroom. My roommates and I have been running the dehumidifier 24/7 for weeks now, but the humidity seems to keep creeping up. Has anyone else experienced this issue in Dubai rentals, or do you think it’s something we should bring up with our landlord?
Posted by James Taylor
Asked on February 18, 2026 11:54 am
Absolutely, it's wise to bring up the persistent humidity issue with your landlord. In Dubai and the UAE region, regulations often address building moisture levels and indoor environmental quality. According to the Building Control Law No. 15 of 2009, buildings must meet certain standards for air quality and moisture control.

Persistent high humidity can indeed lead to mold growth, which you've already noticed with a musty smell in your closet next to the bathroom. The dehumidifier running non-stop suggests that the humidity levels are quite high despite efforts to mitigate it yourself. However, running one machine 24/7 may not be sufficient if the root cause of the moisture is not addressed.

Firstly, consider conducting a professional moisture assessment in your unit. This will help identify sources of excess moisture such as leaks, inadequate ventilation, or issues with plumbing. Some common culprits include condensation on windows, water seepage from bathrooms, or even poor building envelope integrity.

You can contact local inspection and remediation services like Saniservice for a detailed analysis. They offer comprehensive indoor environmental quality assessments which are particularly useful in identifying the exact causes of high humidity.

In your conversation with the landlord, you might want to mention that according to UAE standards, buildings should maintain relative humidity levels below 60% to prevent mold growth and ensure occupant health. If your unit consistently exceeds this threshold, it may be time for structural or maintenance improvements such as better insulation, improved ventilation systems, or repairs to any water damage.

Remember, while maintaining indoor air quality is a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords, proactive measures from the landlord can significantly reduce moisture issues over time. It's always beneficial to communicate clearly and constructively about these concerns to ensure a healthy living environment for all residents.

If after several discussions with your landlord no resolution has been reached, don't hesitate to seek legal advice or escalate the issue through local consumer protection services. After all, ensuring a safe and comfortable living space is paramount.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 20, 2026 7:11 pm