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

This specific issue likely falls to the landlord or building management for investigation. The damp, isolated smell points to a hidden moisture source, such as a breach in the building envelope or a leaking pipe within the wall, which are structural maintenance responsibilities.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and the recent humidity spike. Under typical tenancy laws, they are obligated to address problems that affect the property's habitability. A professional inspection is crucial here, as the source is not visible; they will use moisture meters and thermal imaging to locate the problem without unnecessary damage.

For immediate mitigation while waiting for a response, improve airflow around the closet. Run a dehumidifier in the room, as Dubai's high ambient humidity can cause condensation in poorly ventilated spaces. Avoid storing items directly against the wall. If the odor persists after the leak is fixed, a surface treatment may be needed to address any residual microbial growth, which would be a separate discussion on responsibility.