Landlord or me: who fixes bathroom mold in rental?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai rentals, responsibility depends on whether the mold is due to your lifestyle or a building defect. Under standard tenancy contracts, landlords are responsible for fixing issues related to structural defects, poor ventilation, or water leaks. If the mold is recurrent and concentrated in a poorly ventilated area with no window, the root cause is likely inadequate extraction, which is the landlord's obligation to remedy.

You should first notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue with photos. They are typically required to address the underlying cause, such as repairing a faulty exhaust fan or improving ventilation. Simply cleaning it yourself is a temporary fix; the high humidity and constant air conditioning use in Dubai create a perfect environment for mold to return if the moisture source isn't controlled.

For a definitive answer, a professional inspection can identify if the mold is surface-level or indicative of a deeper moisture problem within the walls. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference Dubai's Rental Dispute Center, as persistent dampness affecting livability is often considered a landlord's responsibility to fix. In the interim, using a dehumidifier and ensuring the bathroom fan runs during and after showers can help manage moisture.