Landlord responsible for bathroom mold removal in rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily governed by the rental contract and the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007). Generally, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building faults, such as leaking pipes within the walls, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation systems. The tenant is typically responsible for damage resulting from negligence, such as a failure to use the exhaust fan, not reporting a minor leak promptly, or poor general cleaning habits.

Given your description of the issue in Jumeirah Village Circle—specifically its persistence over months, the strong damp smell, and its location behind fixtures—this strongly suggests a subsurface moisture issue. The high humidity of the Dubai climate, combined with year-round AC use that can create significant condensation if units are not properly serviced, often exacerbates these hidden problems. The fact it has developed over time and is worsening indicates this is likely not superficial but a symptom of a underlying defect.

We strongly advise against DIY removal, as bleaching surface mold does not address the moisture source and can spread spores. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the problem, requesting a professional inspection to identify the root cause. A certified mold inspector from a company like Saniservice can perform moisture mapping and air quality tests to determine the source and extent of the contamination, providing a definitive report on liability.

If the inspection reveals a structural or systemic issue, the landlord is obligated to cover the remediation costs. For a professional assessment and definitive resolution, we recommend you contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.