Who is responsible for shower mold cleanup, landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Under the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), the landlord is generally responsible for the property's structural integrity and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as poor ventilation or faulty waterproofing. You, as the tenant, are responsible for maintaining cleanliness and reporting issues promptly.

Given that you've discovered significant growth under the sealant and have a weak exhaust fan, this points to a potential underlying moisture issue that likely falls under the landlord's purview for remediation. The constant high humidity in Dubai, especially in coastal areas like the Marina, accelerates this problem when ventilation is inadequate. The repair involves not just cleaning the visible mold but properly addressing the moisture source, which may require resealing, grout repair, or improving the ventilation system.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos. They should arrange for a professional assessment to determine the root cause. For extensive hidden growth, a professional inspection is critical to assess the full scope; improper DIY cleaning can often disturb spores and spread the problem. A reputable service can verify the mold type and confirm the moisture source is fully resolved.

Until it's resolved, run your bathroom's fan during and for at least 30 minutes after showers, keep the bathroom door open to improve air circulation, and wipe down wet surfaces to manage humidity levels.