Who is responsible for closet mold, me or my landlord?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property like your Jumeirah apartment is generally dictated by the tenancy contract and the nature of the issue. The landlord is typically responsible for addressing the root cause of the mold if it stems from a structural or maintenance-related defect. This includes issues like leaking pipes within the walls, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate external building seals that allow moisture ingress. The musty smell and growth on the back wall of the closet you describe are classic indicators of such a hidden defect, likely condensation due to a thermal bridge or a slow, concealed leak.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining adequate ventilation to mitigate the extreme humidity inherent to Dubai's climate. While you keep the AC on, it must be set to a sufficiently low temperature to effectively remove humidity from the air, and the system's filters should be clean. Daily ventilation of the apartment is also crucial.

Your first step is to immediately notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photographs as evidence. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this will only temporarily remove the visible stain without addressing the hidden spores or moisture source. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source and extent of contamination. Our certified experts at Saniservice use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the cause and provide a definitive report on liability. For a case like this, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) for a comprehensive assessment and a remediation plan that ensures the mold is removed safely and permanently.