Landlord or me: who fixes bathroom mold and ventilation?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, particularly in older Deira buildings with inherent humidity challenges from year-round AC use and poor ventilation, bathroom mold is a significant health and structural concern. The black grout and fuzzy growth indicate persistent moisture, meaning simple cleaning is a temporary fix.

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is unequivocally responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and essential systems, which includes the ventilation system. A non-functioning or inadequate extractor fan is a breach of their obligation to provide a habitable property. You are responsible for general cleanliness, but the remediation of mold caused by a systemic issue like poor ventilation falls on the landlord. You must formally notify them in writing of the issue, as this establishes a paper trail.

However, applying bleach is strongly discouraged. It only bleaches the surface pigment and does not kill the roots, leading to rapid regrowth. More critically, it can aggravate the spores, worsening air quality.

For a case of this nature, a professional inspection is crucial. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the exact moisture source and air sampling to determine spore count and species, which is vital for health reasons. This documented report is powerful evidence for your landlord and outlines the necessary remediation and mechanical ventilation upgrades.

For expert assessment and landlord-compliant reports, I recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.