Is bathroom mold the tenant or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for bathroom mold typically falls to the landlord if the issue stems from a structural or maintenance defect, such as a hidden pipe leak, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation in the building's design. The tenant is generally responsible if the cause is due to lifestyle habits, like not using the exhaust fan during showers or failing to wipe down wet surfaces.

Given your description of a constant damp smell and mold spreading in the grout despite using the exhaust fan, this suggests a persistent humidity issue that may be beyond simple daily habits. The Dubai climate, with its high ambient humidity and year-round AC use, creates significant condensation that can overwhelm standard bathroom ventilation. A new issue in a two-year-old apartment often points to a developing problem.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue. They are usually obligated to investigate and address the underlying cause. A professional inspection can determine if the problem is due to a leak behind the tiles or insufficient ventilation, which would be their responsibility to rectify.

For immediate action, ensure the exhaust fan is functioning properly and run it for at least 30 minutes after showering. Wipe down wet tiles and surfaces to remove excess moisture. While DIY cleaning with vinegar can remove surface mold on non-porous surfaces, grout is porous and often requires professional treatment to fully address the root cause and prevent regrowth. If the landlord is unresponsive, you may reference your tenancy contract and Dubai's rental laws, which mandate the landlord's duty to maintain the property in a habitable condition.