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

Under Dubai rental law, the responsibility depends on the cause. The landlord is responsible for fixing the defect if the mold is due to a structural issue, like a leaking pipe inside the wall or faulty waterproofing. However, if the mold is caused by tenant behavior—such as insufficient ventilation leading to condensation buildup—then the tenant is typically responsible for the cleaning and remediation.

Given your location in Jumeirah Village Circle and the timing with increased humidity, this is often a condensation issue. The combination of hot showers and our high ambient humidity, especially without adequate bathroom ventilation, creates ideal conditions for mold growth on ceilings and corners. First, document the mold with photos and notify your landlord or property management company in writing. They should arrange an inspection to determine the root cause.

For a small, surface-level patch, you can clean it yourself with a vinegar or diluted bleach solution, but always wear a mask and gloves. However, if the mold covers a large area (generally over one square meter), has penetrated porous materials like drywall, or returns quickly after cleaning, a professional assessment is needed. They can identify if there's a hidden leak or if the bathroom's ventilation is insufficient for Dubai's climate. Proper remediation often requires fixing the moisture source, not just cleaning the visible mold.