Who should fix the damp closet?« Back to Previous Page

Dampness issues like the one you're experiencing can indeed be concerning, especially when they persist over time. In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, maintaining a healthy indoor environment is crucial for both comfort and safety. Given your situation, it's important to understand who typically takes responsibility for such maintenance.

In many rental agreements within the UAE, landlords are generally responsible for ensuring that the property remains in good condition, which includes addressing issues like dampness, leaks, and mold growth. However, specifics can vary from contract to contract. If you have a written lease agreement, it’s wise to review this first to see if there are any clauses regarding maintenance responsibilities.

Given your concern about persistent dampness next to the bathroom, I would recommend reaching out to your landlord immediately to address the issue. Communicate clearly and provide evidence of the problem (photos or even notes from previous inspections) if possible. Many tenants find it helpful to keep a record of such communications for future reference.

If you've communicated with your landlord but no action has been taken, you might consider engaging a professional environmental inspection service. In Dubai, companies like Saniservice are well-regarded and can provide detailed assessments of indoor air quality and moisture issues. Their expertise can help determine the root cause and recommend appropriate remediation steps.

It's also worth noting that the UAE has regulations in place to ensure building maintenance standards are met. For instance, the Building Control Regulations 2016 (DIFC) and the Dubai Municipality’s Building Code provide guidelines for maintaining properties. While these don't directly assign responsibility, they do emphasize the importance of addressing such issues.

Should you decide to engage a professional, Saniservice can be contacted via their phone line at 800-MOLDS or by emailing hello@saniservice.com. They offer comprehensive services including mold testing, moisture mapping, and remediation plans tailored to specific environments like closet areas adjacent to bathrooms.

In the meantime, you might want to take some basic steps yourself such as ensuring good ventilation in the affected area, using dehumidifiers if necessary, and keeping the space dry by avoiding storage of wet or damp items. However, these are temporary measures and do not replace a thorough professional assessment.

Remember, maintaining a healthy indoor environment is paramount, so proactive steps are essential. If you find that the issue persists despite communication with your landlord, it might be time to seek external assistance to ensure your living space remains safe and comfortable.