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

Your recurring bathroom mold is likely a maintenance issue you're responsible for, but the cracked sealant and potential ventilation problems could shift responsibility to your landlord. According to Dubai rental law (RERA), tenants are typically responsible for minor maintenance and cleaning, while landlords must address structural defects and ensure essential systems like ventilation are functional.

The high humidity in Dubai, especially in sealed apartments with year-round AC use, creates perfect conditions for mold in bathrooms. The cracked sealant you mentioned is a critical point—it allows moisture to penetrate the wall substrate, making surface cleaning ineffective. This persistent dampness behind the tiles is the core issue.

First, document the issue with clear photos, especially of the cracked sealant. Inform your landlord in writing that the recurring mold appears to be caused by a defect (the damaged sealant and potentially inadequate ventilation), requesting they repair it to prevent water ingress. They are generally obligated to fix issues that affect the property's structure and habitability.

While waiting for a response, keep the area as dry as possible. Use a squeegee on tiles after every shower, run the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes afterwards, and occasionally use a dehumidifier. These steps can help manage humidity but won't solve the underlying moisture problem.

If the mold covers a large area (generally over 10 square feet), is causing health issues, or the landlord refuses to address the cause, a professional inspection is warranted to assess the moisture source and extent. They can provide a definitive report on whether inadequate ventilation or construction defects are the root cause, which strengthens your case with the landlord.