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

This is a very common and complex issue we see in older Deira buildings, particularly with the high humidity levels here in Dubai.

The short answer is: it depends on the root cause. Under UAE rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property and maintaining the main systems, including ventilation. If the mold is due to a pre-existing ventilation issue, a leaking pipe within the walls, or faulty waterproofing (a building defect), then the remediation is absolutely the landlord's financial responsibility.

However, if the mold growth is solely a result of tenant behavior—such as not using the exhaust fan during and after showers, drying wet towels indoors, or failing to wipe down wet surfaces—then the tenant could be held liable for the cleaning.

Your case has red flags for a landlord issue: the spread to the ceiling corner and poor ventilation you mentioned. Black, fuzzy patches in grout and on ceilings are often Stachybotrys or Aspergillus, which indicate a persistent moisture problem that typically goes beyond surface cleaning. A simple wipe-down won't solve it; the moisture source must be identified and eliminated.

I strongly recommend a professional inspection. We can perform moisture mapping and air quality testing to definitively identify the source of the moisture—whether it's condensation from poor ventilation (tenant habit) or a hidden leak (landlord responsibility). This evidence-based report is crucial for discussions with your landlord and the Dubai Rental Dispute Center if needed.

Don't let it spread further. For a definitive answer and to protect your health, call us for an assessment at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.