Is building management responsible for bathroom mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

Your building management is typically responsible for the structural integrity of the building and common areas, but internal apartment mold caused by condensation is usually the tenant's responsibility. This is outlined in Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and standard tenancy contracts, which place the duty of maintaining the interior of the unit on the tenant.

However, the cause is critical. If the mold is due to a leak from a pipe in the wall, a faulty seal around the window, or a defect in the building's external waterproofing, then it becomes the landlord's or building management's responsibility to fix the source. The humid climate here accelerates mold growth from any small, persistent moisture source.

Given that it started after a humid week and is spreading on the ceiling, the primary culprit is likely condensation from your air conditioning. Cold AC ducts or concrete in the ceiling can create a surface for moisture to condense in our high humidity, providing the perfect environment for mold. Simply wiping it away doesn't address this hidden moisture.

For your children's coughing, this is a sign to act. Mold can irritate airways, especially in children. You should first formally notify your building management and landlord in writing, detailing the issue and requesting an inspection to rule out any structural leaks. They have an obligation to investigate the cause.

If they confirm it's condensation-related, the remediation falls to you. Given the spread and health symptoms, a professional assessment is wise. They can use moisture meters to confirm the source and perform remediation that includes fixing the condensation issue and safely removing the established growth, which often requires more than surface cleaning to address hidden spores.