Tenant or landlord responsible for mold in closet?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for mold remediation hinges on identifying the source of the moisture. If the black mold is due to a structural issue like a leaking pipe, a crack in the external wall, or faulty insulation, the landlord is typically responsible for the repair and resulting damage under the Dubai Rental Law. However, if the dampness is caused by tenant behavior—such as poor ventilation, drying clothes indoors, or overcrowding a closet preventing air circulation—the tenant would be liable for the cleanup.

Given the wall feels damp and the issue worsened with high humidity, a professional inspection is crucial to determine the root cause. The UAE's climate, with its extreme humidity and reliance on AC, can cause condensation in poorly insulated areas, which is often a building envelope issue.

Your first step is to notify the landlord or property management company in writing immediately, with clear photos. They should arrange for a diagnosis. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores. For verification, a certified inspector can conduct moisture mapping and lab analysis of the mold to identify the species and source, which provides concrete evidence for responsibility discussions. The cost of remediation itself follows the same liability logic as the initial repair.