Is landlord responsible for bathroom mold in JVT apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for repairs to the main structure of the property, which includes the walls and flooring. Since the mold is growing from the junction of the wall and floor, its origin is likely a hidden plumbing leak from the toilet's waste pipe or water supply line, or a failure in the waterproofing membrane beneath the tiles. Both are structural issues the landlord must address.

You should notify your landlord in writing immediately, detailing the mold's location and spread. Include clear photographs showing its progression. The landlord is obligated to investigate and fix the source of the moisture. Merely cleaning the visible mold is insufficient; the concealed leak must be repaired to prevent recurrence and potential structural damage.

However, tenant responsibilities include routine ventilation to manage humidity. In JVT's climate, with high outdoor humidity and constant AC use creating condensation, bathrooms require diligent ventilation during and after showers. If the landlord proves the damage is solely due to a complete lack of ventilation, they could argue negligence, but a growing patch behind a toilet strongly suggests a leak.

For serious cases where the landlord is unresponsive, a professional inspection can document the moisture source with thermal imaging and moisture meters, providing a technical report to support your claim. This evidence is crucial for any dispute with the landlord or if you need to file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai.