Am I responsible for removing bathroom mold as tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's tenancy laws, the responsibility depends on whether the issue is due to tenant behavior or a building defect. Since you mention poor ventilation and high humidity—common structural issues in many Dubai apartments—this is likely the landlord's responsibility to rectify.

You should formally report it to the landlord or property management company. The persistent humidity and inadequate ventilation are the root causes, and they are obligated to provide a habitable property, which includes functional ventilation to prevent mold growth. Document the issue with clear photos and send a written notification.

For a small patch, cleaning with a vinegar or diluted bleach solution can manage it temporarily, but it will return without improved airflow. For anything larger than one square foot, or if it has a musty odor, a professional inspection is wise to identify the species and ensure there's no hidden growth within the ceiling void. In the UAE's climate, mold can spread quickly behind walls due to condensation from AC systems and humidity.

While waiting for a response, run the bathroom exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after showering and consider using a portable dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels immediately.