Is landlord responsible for shower mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai tenancy law, landlords are typically responsible for addressing structural issues that cause mold, such as leaking pipes, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation systems in the building. You, as the tenant, are generally responsible for maintaining daily cleanliness and ensuring the bathroom is properly ventilated during and after use to prevent moisture buildup.

Given your location in Jumeirah Village Circle and the recent high humidity, the primary cause needs to be identified. If the mold is extensive, recurring despite thorough cleaning, or if the ceiling discoloration suggests a leak from another apartment or a structural issue, you should formally report it to your landlord or property management company immediately. For your own documentation, take clear photographs of the affected areas before you clean anything.

A professional inspection can determine the root cause. If the issue is solely due to the apartment's inherent ventilation system being underpowered for the space—a common issue in many buildings—this is a landlord responsibility to rectify. However, if the final report concludes the mold growth is due to a lack of tenant ventilation (e.g., not using the exhaust fan), the remediation costs may fall to you. For serious cases, a lab test can identify the mold species, which is part of a professional assessment to gauge the required remediation scope.