Landlord or tenant responsible for bathroom mold repair cost?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's tenancy laws, responsibility depends on the root cause. The landlord is responsible for repairs stemming from structural defects, like a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation systems. The tenant is typically responsible for issues caused by their own negligence or lack of maintenance, such as failing to run the bathroom extractor fan during and after showers or not wiping down wet surfaces.

Given Dubai's high humidity, especially in bathrooms with showers, condensation is a primary driver of mold growth. The black mold you're seeing is likely thriving due to persistent moisture. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including clear photos. They should arrange for a technician to investigate for any hidden leaks or ventilation failures. If a structural fault is found, they must cover the repair cost.

For immediate health concerns with children coughing, a professional inspection can identify the mold species and confirm if it's a known respiratory irritant. Remediation involves more than just scrubbing the visible spot; the underlying moisture issue must be resolved to prevent it from returning quickly. If the landlord disputes responsibility, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai, but having a professional assessment report on the cause will be your strongest evidence.