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

Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is responsible for fixing the root cause of recurring mold, as it's considered a structural or maintenance issue affecting the property's habitability. You, as the tenant, are responsible for general cleaning and ventilation to prevent it. However, if you've taken reasonable preventive measures and it persists due to a leak, poor ventilation, or water seepage, the obligation to rectify the underlying problem falls on the landlord.

Since bleach only removes surface discoloration and doesn't address the root cause or the hyphae (roots) growing within the porous grout, its quick return is a clear sign of a deeper issue. In JVC's high humidity, this is often due to condensation from cold water pipes in the walls, a small leak, or inadequate bathroom extraction.

Formally notify your landlord in writing about the recurring issue and request a proper repair. For documentation, a professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source—often a plumbing leak or thermal bridging causing condensation—which strengthens your case. They can also verify if the mold is one of the common surface types or something that requires more targeted remediation. If the landlord refuses to address a verified underlying cause, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.