Landlord or tenant responsible for bathroom mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for about a year and just noticed a bunch of black mold spots growing along the ceiling and in the corners of the master bathroom. The room doesn't have a window, so the ventilation is pretty bad even with the exhaust fan running. Are we responsible for cleaning this ourselves, or is this something the landlord needs to fix because of the poor ventilation?
Posted by Huda Ahmed
Asked on April 19, 2026 1:25 am
Bathroom mold responsibility in Dubai rentals often depends on the root cause. Tenants are typically responsible for routine cleaning and maintaining adequate ventilation to prevent humidity buildup. However, if the mold growth is due to a structural issue like a hidden water leak, faulty waterproofing, or an inadequate or broken exhaust fan system, the repair obligation usually falls on the landlord.

Given your apartment's lack of windows and poor ventilation—a common challenge in Dubai's humid climate—the landlord may be responsible for addressing the underlying ventilation deficiency. Document the issue thoroughly with clear photos and a written notice to your landlord or property management company. Reference the specific clauses in your tenancy contract regarding maintenance and habitable conditions. For severe, recurring, or widespread mold, a professional inspection from a company with a microbiology lab can identify the species and definitively pinpoint the moisture source, which is crucial evidence for resolving responsibility. This report can clarify whether it's a maintenance issue (landlord) or an environmental humidity control issue (tenant).
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 19, 2026 3:29 pm