Who pays for closet mold treatment, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for mold treatment depends on the source of the moisture. In Dubai's climate, the root cause is often condensation from the AC system or a building envelope leak.

For condensation issues, the landlord is typically responsible for addressing the underlying AC or insulation fault that causes persistent dampness. If the mold resulted from a structural leak or seepage through the external wall, that is also the landlord's responsibility to repair.

The tenant is responsible if the mold is due to their own actions, such as a failure to use the AC adequately to control indoor humidity, blocking ventilation, or creating excessive moisture without proper ventilation.

Start by formally notifying your landlord or building management in writing with photos. They should arrange a professional inspection to diagnose the exact moisture source. A proper diagnosis is essential, as simply wiping the mold away will result in it returning if the water issue isn't fixed. For a closet on an outside wall in Jumeirah, a common finding is that the AC's supply vent is not adequately cooling that specific area, leading to a cold surface that condenses humid air.

Until resolved, remove affected clothing and clean hard surfaces with a diluted vinegar solution. Keep the closet door open and ensure air is circulating to the area to help it dry.