Is bathroom mold the landlord's responsibility to fix?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues that affect its habitability. This includes resolving problems like persistent mold growth, as it is often a symptom of an underlying issue such as a hidden water leak, faulty waterproofing, or poor ventilation – all of which are the landlord's obligation to rectify.

The key factor is the source of the moisture. If the mold is due to a structural defect (e.g., a leaking pipe inside the wall, a crack in the external building envelope, or a failed seal around the bathtub), then it is unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to fix both the leak and the resulting mold damage. However, if the mold is purely a result of tenant behavior, like failing to use the bathroom's exhaust fan after showers or not allowing for proper ventilation, the responsibility for cleaning it may fall to you.

For a definitive answer, a professional inspection is crucial. We can identify the moisture source through thermal imaging and moisture meters, which determines liability. Even if it's your responsibility to clean, a small patch of surface mold from condensation is usually manageable. But for recurring or extensive growth, the root cause needs professional remediation to prevent health risks and property damage.

If your landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center. For a proper assessment, call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection and get a formal report you can present to your landlord.