Am I responsible for cleaning mold in my rental?« Back to Previous Page

Your responsibility depends on the cause. Minor surface mold on grout from daily shower steam is typically a tenant's cleaning responsibility. However, the fuzzy patch near the ceiling and strong damp smell point to a persistent moisture issue, likely from a hidden leak or inadequate ventilation. This is a maintenance problem for the landlord to address.

Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords must maintain the structural integrity of the property and ensure all building systems, like ventilation, are functional. You should report this in writing to your landlord or building management immediately. Document the issue with clear photos and describe the smell. This creates a formal record and pushes for a proper fix, not just a surface clean.

For this level of growth, a professional inspection is wise to identify the moisture source. In JVC's high humidity, mold can spread inside wall cavities from a small leak. Simply wiping it away will not solve the problem, and it will return. The landlord should arrange for the leak to be repaired and the affected area to be professionally remediated to prevent recurrence and protect your health. Until then, run the bathroom exhaust fan during and for 30 minutes after every shower to help manage humidity.