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

Based on the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), the responsibility for repairs falls on the property owner (landlord), especially for issues related to the structural integrity of the building and inherent ventilation systems. In your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, the recurring black grout and ceiling mold suggest a persistent humidity issue that likely exceeds normal surface condensation.

The landlord is typically responsible for ensuring the property is habitable, which includes addressing faults in the building's ventilation system. If the exhaust fan is running but ineffective, the ductwork may be blocked, improperly installed, or undersized for the bathroom's volume. This is a systemic defect the landlord must rectify. Furthermore, the mold on the ceiling could indicate a potential leak from above or insufficient insulation, which are also structural concerns.

However, tenant responsibilities include routine cleaning and maintaining adequate ventilation during use. The extreme humidity of Dubai's climate, combined with year-round AC use creating significant temperature differentials, makes bathrooms prime for mold growth if systems are not optimal.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection. Surface cleaning is a temporary fix; the underlying moisture source must be identified and resolved. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause—be it a ventilation failure, hidden leak, or condensation due to poor insulation—and provide a detailed remediation protocol for the landlord.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure your landlord addresses the root cause, please contact our team. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.