Who is responsible for recurring bathroom mold in a Dubai rental« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable. A recurring mold issue caused by inadequate ventilation, like a weak exhaust fan, is considered a structural defect, not tenant negligence. Your responsibility is limited to reasonable use, such as running the fan during and after showers.

Since you're in a studio, the high humidity from daily living (showering, cooking, even breathing) with insufficient ventilation is a common cause. Document your communication with the landlord. Send a formal written notice, perhaps via the Dubai REST app, stating the issue persists despite using the fan as intended. Request a permanent fix, such as upgrading the fan's power or improving overall bathroom ventilation.

For severe, recurring black mold, a professional inspection can provide a definitive cause. A certified inspector can measure humidity levels and assess the ventilation system's efficacy, providing a report that clarifies responsibility. This documented evidence is powerful if the dispute escalates and needs to be presented to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC). In many cases, the landlord will address the issue to prevent further damage to their property.