Who is responsible for treating closet mold, landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract provisions, the responsibility for treating structural mold issues like the one you're describing typically falls on the landlord.

The black spots spreading from the outer wall strongly indicate a moisture intrusion problem, likely from a small leak in the building envelope or inadequate insulation—both of which are structural issues under the landlord's purview. The landlord's claim about AC usage is a common misconception; while AC helps control ambient humidity, it cannot compensate for active water ingress from a leaky wall. This is a building defect.

Your attempt to clean it with vinegar is a temporary fix, as you've seen. Vinegar only removes surface mold and does not address the underlying moisture source, allowing the colony to regrow and potentially become more entrenched. For a recurring issue like this, a professional inspection is absolutely critical. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the water, which is not visible to the naked eye.

I recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos, requesting a professional mold assessment and remediation. They are generally obligated to provide a habitable property. For an immediate, expert evaluation to document the cause and source, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We provide detailed reports that can be used to clarify responsibility with the property owner.