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

Based on Dubai's climate and tenancy laws, the responsibility for bathroom mold is typically determined by the source of the moisture. The persistent humidity and condensation in Dubai, exacerbated by year-round AC use, create an ideal environment for mold growth.

If the mold is purely a result of condensation from showers and inadequate ventilation during use, regular cleaning is often considered the tenant's responsibility. However, your case suggests a more serious, systemic issue. The rapid recurrence of black mold on the ceiling, even after cleaning with bleach, strongly indicates a persistent underlying problem. This is likely due to insufficient mechanical ventilation—an exhaust fan that is either missing, underpowered, blocked, or venting improperly into the ceiling void. This constitutes a defect in the property's infrastructure.

Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), regulating the relationship between landlords and tenants, the landlord is obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition and carry out all necessary maintenance for the main parts of the property, which includes fixed ventilation systems. A faulty ventilation system that leads to chronic dampness and mold falls under this obligation.

Bleach is a superficial fix; it removes the visible stain but does not address the moisture source or kill the roots. For a recurring issue like this, a professional inspection is critical. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the exact cause of the moisture intrusion and assess the extent of the growth, which can often be more widespread than visible.

I recommend you formally notify your landlord of the defect and request a permanent fix for the ventilation. For a professional assessment and remediation report to support your claim, please contact our team. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Saniservice can provide a certified inspection report detailing the cause and necessary corrective actions, which is invaluable for discussions with your landlord.