Is landlord responsible for bathroom mold behind toilet?« Back to Previous Page

Bathroom mold in Dubai apartments is often a landlord responsibility if it stems from a building defect like inadequate ventilation, faulty waterproofing, or hidden leaks. Your situation, with persistent dampness returning after cleaning, strongly suggests an underlying issue beyond surface condensation.

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must provide a property fit for habitation and maintain the structural integrity of the unit. This includes ensuring that ventilation systems are functional and that the bathroom is properly sealed to prevent moisture ingress. Since the mold is concentrated in a hard-to-reach area and recurs due to dampness, the root cause is likely a maintenance issue the landlord must address. You should formally notify them in writing, detailing the problem and requesting they rectify the ventilation or sealing.

For immediate action, bleach is a temporary fix that only removes surface discoloration, not the root mold. It can also worsen the problem by adding moisture. Instead, use a dedicated fungicidal cleaner formulated for grout. However, in the UAE's high humidity, this will only be a short-term solution without improved airflow.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. For documentation, a professional inspection can definitively identify if the cause is a leak or insufficient ventilation, which strengthens your case.