Is landlord responsible for bathroom mold as a tenant?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it’s from the black mold that’s been spreading across the ceiling in our master bathroom in Jumeirah Village Circle. It’s been getting worse since the humidity kicked in a couple of months ago. I’ve tried wiping it down, but it just comes back. As a tenant, am I responsible for cleaning this or is my landlord required to fix the underlying issue causing it?
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Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for addressing the underlying structural issue causing the mold, not just the surface cleaning. This includes fixing problems like poor ventilation, water leaks from upstairs, or inadequate insulation that leads to condensation. As a tenant, your responsibility is typically to report the issue in writing and maintain general cleanliness.
The persistent black mold in your bathroom is a health concern, especially with children coughing. The high humidity in Dubai, particularly during summer months, creates ideal conditions for this type of growth in rooms with poor airflow. Simply wiping it is a temporary fix; the spores remain and will return without addressing the moisture source. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company about the issue and its suspected link to a structural fault. Request that they send a professional to conduct an inspection to identify the root cause. For health reasons, and to provide evidence to your landlord, a professional mold inspection with air or surface sampling can identify the species present. This is particularly advised when health symptoms are involved, as certain types of mold are more problematic than others. Until it is resolved, increase bathroom ventilation by running the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after showers and regularly opening windows. A dehumidifier can also help measurably reduce ambient moisture levels that fuel the growth. |
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