Landlord or me responsible for bathroom mold and fan?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation and ventilation repairs in a rental property like your JVC apartment is typically defined by the tenancy contract and Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended). The landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential building systems, which includes the functionality of fixed ventilation like an extractor fan. The presence of mold due to a known defective fan falls under this category. You, as the tenant, are responsible for general day-to-day cleaning and reporting issues in a timely manner.

The weak extractor fan is the root cause. Dubai's high humidity, combined with shower condensation in a windowless bathroom, creates a perfect environment for mold growth. The black spots in the grout are likely Cladosporium or Aspergillus, which thrive in these damp conditions. A non-functioning fan violates the basic habitability standards expected of a rental unit.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about both the mold growth and the defective extraction fan. Request that they repair or replace the fan to meet proper ventilation standards and arrange for professional mold remediation. DIY cleaning with bleach is not a long-term solution and can exacerbate the problem by releasing spores and not addressing the moisture source.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly, I recommend a professional inspection. Saniservice can provide a comprehensive moisture and mold assessment, including air quality testing to identify spore types and concentration levels, and execute a certified remediation protocol. You can contact our specialists for a consultation at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. Presenting a professional report to your landlord can strongly support your request for necessary repairs.