Is landlord responsible for recurring shower mold?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and addressing issues that affect its habitability. A recurring mold problem caused by inadequate ventilation or faulty waterproofing is typically considered a structural maintenance issue, making it the landlord's responsibility to fix the root cause.

Your situation in Marina is a classic case of Dubai's high humidity meeting a poorly ventilated space. Bleach only removes surface discoloration; it doesn't kill the mold's root structure (hyphae) embedded in the porous grout. The underlying moisture problem must be solved. For a tenant, document the issue with photos and a written notice to the landlord or property management company, formally requesting a permanent solution like installing an extraction fan or repairing failed grout/sealant.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Settlement Centre. For immediate action, a professional assessment can identify the moisture source—whether it's condensation, a hidden leak, or inadequate sealing. They can also verify if the mold is a surface issue or a more serious problem requiring remediation. In many cases, simply regrouting with a mold-inhibiting product and ensuring the room is properly ventilated resolves the issue permanently.