Is landlord required to fix dangerous bathroom mold?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and habitability of a property. This includes addressing issues like persistent mold, which is considered a health and safety hazard, especially if it is causing respiratory symptoms like coughing.

The urgency depends on the extent. For small surface patches, a thorough cleaning with a vinegar or diluted bleach solution may suffice. However, since you mention it's widespread, has appeared rapidly with the humidity, and is correlating with your children's health, a professional assessment is strongly recommended. The high humidity in Dubai, combined with bathroom condensation and year-round AC use that can spread spores, creates ideal conditions for mold to thrive and become a recurring issue.

For a case like this, document everything. Take clear photos of the mold, note the dates, and formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the issue and its suspected impact on your family's health. Request immediate remediation. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) or the Rental Dispute Center, as this can be grounds for a rent reduction or a request for forced maintenance.

A proper remediation involves more than just scrubbing visible growth; it requires identifying and correcting the moisture source—often inadequate ventilation or a hidden leak—to prevent it from returning. A professional inspection can confirm the mold type and scope, which provides concrete evidence for your landlord and ensures the cleanup addresses the root cause.