Who fixes bathroom mold in a Deira apartment rental?« Back to Previous Page
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The grout between the tiles in our Deira apartment's bathroom has been turning black for a couple of months now, and the damp smell is really strong, especially after my morning shower. I’ve been wiping it down, but it just comes back. Who is responsible for fixing this kind of persistent mold issue, me as the tenant or my landlord?
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In most Dubai rentals, the landlord is responsible for fixing the root cause of persistent bathroom mold, like a broken exhaust fan or leaking pipes, as it relates to the property's structure and maintenance. As a tenant, you are typically responsible for surface-level cleaning and controlling daily moisture. The high humidity in Deira, especially with year-round AC use creating condensation, makes bathrooms a prime target for mold.
Document the issue thoroughly with dated photos and a written notice to your landlord or property management company, referencing the damp smell and the mold's quick return after cleaning. This proves it's a persistent issue beyond simple upkeep. If the exhaust fan is broken, request its repair, as proper ventilation is a landlord obligation under typical tenancy contracts. For mold embedded in grout due to chronic dampness, a professional inspection can determine if the sealing has failed, which is also a structural repair. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC), as they adjudicate such maintenance disagreements. In the meantime, run the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after showering and wipe down wet surfaces to manage humidity. For severe, recurring growth that causes a strong smell, a lab test can identify the mold type, which is useful documentation for your landlord and for understanding any potential health implications. |
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