Am I or landlord responsible for recurring shower mold?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for recurring shower mold in a Dubai apartment is typically a grey area, but this specific case likely falls to the landlord. Since the issue is structural—stemming from a windowless bathroom with poor ventilation—it's a building design and maintenance problem, not a cleaning one. Scrubbing with bleach only removes surface discoloration; it doesn't address the high ambient humidity that allows mold to regrow from the roots deep within the grout. The constant damp smell confirms a persistent moisture issue.

You should formally report this to your landlord or property management company. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable, which includes addressing defects that lead to unhealthy living conditions like chronic dampness and mold. Frame your request around the lack of ventilation and the structural defect it creates.

While waiting for a response, run the bathroom's exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower and keep the bathroom door open to promote air circulation. A dehumidifier can also help measurably reduce the moisture level that mold thrives on.

If the landlord is unresponsive, a professional inspection can provide a documented assessment. A lab test can identify the mold type and confirm the source of moisture, which serves as concrete evidence to support your case for remediation, which should involve repairing or resealing the grout and improving the room's ventilation.