Who is responsible for closet damp smell in rental?« Back to Previous Page
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My master bedroom closet has had this weird, damp smell for the past couple of months, and it’s starting to get stronger, especially since the weather got hotter. I’ve tried cleaning it out and using those moisture absorber boxes, but it hasn’t made a difference. I’m renting an apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle and I’m not sure if this is something I should fix myself or if it’s the landlord's responsibility to check for a potential leak or insulation issue in the walls. Who is legally responsible for investigating and repairing this kind of problem in a rental?
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A persistent damp smell in a closet, especially one that's worsening with the heat, typically indicates excess moisture and a potential mould source within the wall or under the flooring. In Dubai's climate, high humidity and year-round AC use can cause condensation issues if insulation or vapour barriers are faulty.
Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes the building envelope, insulation, and internal plumbing. Since this is a smell that has returned after your cleaning attempts and is getting stronger, it strongly suggests a hidden issue like a slow pipe leak or condensation within the wall cavity—which is a structural maintenance item. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, detailing your attempts to resolve it. They are obligated to investigate the cause. For a definitive diagnosis, they should engage a professional to conduct a moisture survey; this non-invasive inspection uses tools to detect dampness inside walls without destructive probing. If the investigation confirms a leak or construction defect, the landlord must arrange and pay for the repairs. Until resolved, keep the closet doors open and ensure good air circulation with a fan to help manage the humidity that fuels the smell. |
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