Is landlord responsible for bathroom mold in a rental?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for bathroom mold in a rental property is typically governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, the landlord is responsible for structural issues and the provision of essential services, which includes proper ventilation systems. If the mold growth is a direct result of a lack of or faulty extraction fan—a common issue in windowless bathrooms like those in older Deira buildings—this falls under the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable property. The persistent return of the mold indicates a systemic ventilation problem, not merely a surface cleaning issue.

However, tenants are responsible for routine cleaning and maintaining proper hygiene to prevent conditions that exacerbate mold. In Dubai's extreme humidity, this means consistently using the bathroom fan during and for at least 30 minutes after showers and regularly wiping down wet surfaces. The black spots you describe, especially on the ceiling, are a classic sign of Stachybotrys chartarum or Aspergillus niger, which thrive in the condensation from hot showers and year-round AC use creating temperature differentials.

For a definitive resolution, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified experts at Saniservice can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the exact cause—whether it's inadequate ventilation, hidden plumbing leaks, or insufficient waterproofing—and provide an official report. This report is crucial for formally requesting remediation from your landlord, as it distinguishes a maintenance obligation from a tenant cleaning duty. For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.