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

In Dubai's climate, bathroom mold is an extremely common issue due to the high ambient humidity and constant use of air conditioning, which can create significant condensation in poorly ventilated spaces like your windowless bathroom in JVC. The responsibility for remediation hinges on the root cause.

Under the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are unequivocally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and essential systems of the property. This includes the ventilation system. If the mold growth is a direct result of a faulty or inadequate exhaust fan that is unable to manage the humidity levels, the landlord is legally obligated to repair the system and address the resultant damage. Simply running a non-functional or underpowered fan is not sufficient.

However, if the landlord has provided a fully functional ventilation system and the mold is due to a lack of regular use by the tenant (e.g., not running the fan during and for 30 minutes after showers), the responsibility for cleaning superficial mold may fall to you. The persistent musty smell and growth on the ceiling, however, strongly indicate a systemic moisture issue that exceeds simple surface cleaning.

We strongly advise against DIY remediation with bleach, as it only removes surface discoloration and does not address the underlying moisture or the microscopic spores. Disturbing the mold can also aerosolize toxins. A professional inspection is critical to determine the extent of the colonization, identify the precise moisture source, and assign liability correctly.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure your health and rights are protected, we recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive inspection, moisture mapping, and a formal report that can be presented to your landlord if necessary.