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

Based on the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), a landlord's responsibility is to provide a habitable property that is fit for its intended purpose at the time of handover. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, where condensation and year-round AC use are significant factors, a chronic mold issue often points to an underlying maintenance defect, such as inadequate ventilation or a hidden water leak.

Your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle is a classic example. A weak or non-functional extractor fan in a windowless bathroom is a failure of the property's ventilation system, a core component the landlord is obligated to maintain. Applying bleach is a temporary, superficial fix that will not address the root cause—the excessive ambient moisture. Bleach can also aggravate certain mold types and is not recommended for porous surfaces like drywall.

We strongly advise against DIY remediation. A professional inspection is crucial to determine the extent of the infestation, identify the precise moisture source, and perform remediation that includes containment, air scrubbing, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure spores are not spread. The landlord should be formally notified of the issue, referencing the defective ventilation. They are typically responsible for rectifying the structural defect causing the mold.

For a certified assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly and safely, we recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. Our team can also provide a detailed report for your landlord to substantiate your claim.