Is my landlord responsible for bathroom mold from poor ventilation?« Back to Previous Page

This is an excellent and very common question for tenants in Dubai, especially in buildings with high humidity. From your description, the issue is almost certainly due to the inadequate ventilation, which creates a perfect environment for mold growth.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and essential services of the property. This includes the building's ventilation systems, like the extractor fan you mentioned. If the fan is weak or non-functional, it constitutes a failure of a basic amenity provided with the apartment. The resulting mold damage, as a direct consequence of that failure, is therefore typically the landlord's responsibility to remediate.

However, you also have a duty as a tenant to report issues in a timely manner and to practice adequate ventilation during and after showers to minimize moisture buildup.

Here is my recommended course of action: First, formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the mold and specifically cite the faulty extractor fan as the cause. Request immediate repair of the ventilation and professional remediation of the mold. Do not attempt to remove significant mold growth yourself with bleach, as this often only bleaches the surface and does not address the root spores or the moisture problem. For a proper assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled safely and effectively, a professional inspection is highly advised. We can provide a detailed report for your landlord outlining the cause and necessary corrective actions.

Feel free to reach out to us for an expert evaluation at 800-MOLDS or via email at hello@saniservice.com.