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

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues that affect its habitability. Persistent black mold caused by a known ventilation defect, like a weak fan, typically falls under this category.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing, citing the inadequate ventilation as the root cause. Mention that temporary cleaning with bleach is ineffective, as it only removes surface discoloration and not the underlying fungal structure. In Jumeirah Village Circle's high-humidity climate, this problem will only recur without addressing the moisture source.

If the landlord refuses to act, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your case, documentation is key. Before cleaning again, consider a professional inspection to confirm the mold type and identify the full moisture extent, which can strengthen your formal complaint with evidence. The inspector's report can serve as objective proof that this is a building deficiency, not a housekeeping issue.