Who is responsible for drying damp cabinets?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy rains last month, I noticed a strange moldy smell coming from the kitchen area of our rental. The cabinets are visibly damp, but the cleaner who comes every week doesn’t seem to address this issue. Shouldn’t the cleaning include drying out these areas or am I responsible for addressing this myself?
Posted by Jason Taylor
Asked on February 8, 2026 11:22 pm
0
In the UAE, specifically Dubai, it's crucial to ensure that your rental properties meet all local regulations and standards for indoor environmental quality. When you're experiencing a moldy smell coming from damp cabinets, this is indeed a serious matter.

Firstly, let’s address who should be responsible for drying out these damp areas. Typically, the cleaner contracted by you as the tenant would ideally handle routine cleaning tasks including addressing minor water issues and ensuring that surfaces are dry. However, if your cleaner isn't effectively managing this situation, it may fall on you to take more direct action.

It's important to remember that mold can quickly grow in damp environments and poses health risks to occupants, especially in a kitchen where food is prepared. According to the Dubai Municipality regulations, landlords and tenants are expected to maintain their properties to ensure they remain in good condition. If a tenant reports issues like these, it’s the landlord's responsibility to address them within a reasonable timeframe.

Here are some steps you can take:
1. Communicate with your cleaner: Discuss the issue and ask for their action plan on how they will resolve the dampness.
2. Inspect for leaks or plumbing issues: Make sure there aren’t any hidden water sources contributing to the dampness.
3. Dry out cabinets properly: Use dehumidifiers, open windows if weather permits, or use fans to help remove excess moisture.
4. Professional inspection: If the problem persists, it might be wise to have a professional environmental inspection done. Contact 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for an expert evaluation and remediation.

Remember, addressing dampness promptly is key to preventing mold growth. Mold not only affects air quality but can also lead to structural damage over time. By taking proactive measures and ensuring that issues are reported and addressed, you can keep your environment healthy and comply with local regulations.

In conclusion, while it’s expected for cleaners to handle minor water issues, if they’re not addressing the problem adequately, it might be necessary for you as the tenant to take direct action or seek professional help.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 10, 2026 1:56 am