Who is responsible for bathroom mold repair in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for repairs is typically determined by the nature of the issue. Structural problems, including faulty ventilation systems and inherent building defects that cause persistent dampness, are the landlord's legal responsibility to fix. A weak, clogged, or non-functional bathroom extractor fan falls squarely into this category.

Your landlord's claim that long showers are the sole cause is a common but often incomplete argument. While tenant habits contribute, the building's obligation is to provide adequate infrastructure to manage the humidity inherent to Dubai's climate. The fact that the mold recurs after cleaning, especially on the ceiling, strongly indicates a systemic ventilation failure, not just surface condensation.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the faulty ventilation fan and the recurring mold, stating that surface cleaning is an insufficient remedy. Request that a professional assess and repair the extraction system. For severe, persistent mold that returns after wiping, a professional inspection can identify the specific species and the moisture source, which provides concrete evidence for your landlord.

If the landlord refuses to address the ventilation system, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will often side with the tenant when it can be demonstrated that the landlord has not upheld their duty to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes providing functional ventilation to prevent health hazards like mold.