Is the landlord responsible for fixing recurring bathroom mold?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it’s from the black mold that’s been spreading on the ceiling above our shower in Al Nahda. We’ve been wiping it down, but it keeps coming back worse. Who is responsible for properly fixing this—us as tenants or the landlord?
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The landlord is typically responsible for fixing the root cause of recurring bathroom mold, especially if it's due to structural issues like faulty ventilation, leaking pipes, or inadequate waterproofing. As a tenant, your responsibility is usually limited to general cleaning and reporting the issue promptly, which you have done by wiping it down. The recurring nature points to a systemic problem that the landlord must address.
In Dubai's humid climate, bathrooms without properly functioning exhaust fans create a perfect environment for mold. The condensation from hot showers, combined with year-round AC use, leads to persistent moisture. Simply wiping the visible mold is a temporary fix; the hidden spores within the ceiling material will continue to regrow. For a health concern like your children's coughing, documenting the issue is critical. Send a formal written notice to the landlord or property management company, describing the recurring black mold and its suspected impact on your family's health. Request that they rectify the underlying cause, such as repairing or upgrading the ventilation system. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference the Dubai Rental Law, which mandates that landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition. A professional inspection and lab test can provide a definitive report on the mold species and the source of moisture, which serves as strong evidence for your case. This documented proof is often necessary to compel action for a permanent remediation, not just a surface clean. |
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