Landlord responsible for bathroom mold or me?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its core systems, which includes the ventilation system. Since your bathroom is windowless, a functioning extraction fan is a basic health and safety requirement, not a luxury. The recurring black mold is a direct symptom of the underlying moisture issue caused by inadequate ventilation.

You are typically responsible for general cleaning and maintenance. However, scrubbing surface mold without addressing the humidity is a temporary fix. The landlord should be formally notified in writing about the defective ventilation fan, as this is the root cause. They are obligated to repair it to prevent property damage and potential health issues.

For a windowless bathroom in Dubai's climate, the fan must run during showers and for at least 20-30 minutes afterward to remove the humid air. A weak fan cannot achieve this. While waiting for the landlord, use a squeegee on shower walls after use and a dehumidifier or moisture absorber in the room to help manage the dampness.

If the mold growth is extensive or has penetrated behind tiles, a professional inspection can determine the full scope. In such cases, remediation and verifying the moisture source becomes more critical, and the landlord's responsibility for the repair is clearer.