Who is responsible for shower mold, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the legal responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically defined by the nature of the issue. Under standard tenancy contract terms and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), the landlord is responsible for the property's structural integrity and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects or faulty installations. This includes problems like leaking pipes within the walls, faulty waterproofing behind the tiles, or inadequate ventilation systems that are part of the building's original design.

Your situation—recurring black mold in the shower grout accompanied by a persistent damp smell—strongly suggests an underlying moisture issue. Given that you are in an older building in Deira, the root cause is likely defective shower waterproofing or cracked pipes within the wall cavity. These are structural defects, making it the landlord's responsibility to rectify. The Dubai climate, with its extreme humidity and year-round reliance on AC, exacerbates any such moisture problem, causing rapid mold regrowth after superficial cleaning.

However, the tenant is responsible for general maintenance and cleanliness, such as wiping down wet surfaces after use and ensuring the bathroom's extractor fan is functional and used properly to mitigate condensation.

For your tenancy renewal, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified mold inspectors at Saniservice use borescopes and moisture meters to identify the hidden source of the water intrusion without destructive testing. This provides a definitive, technical report you can present to your landlord to substantiate your claim for necessary repairs. Do not delay, as prolonged exposure can impact health and the property's structure.

For an immediate professional assessment, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.