Landlord or tenant responsible for bathroom mold in rental?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility depends on the cause, which is often a grey area. Tenants are generally responsible for routine cleaning and controlling daily humidity. Landlords are responsible for structural issues, like a leaking pipe inside the wall or a faulty exhaust fan.

In Dubai, bathroom mold is almost always due to excessive humidity and poor ventilation, not a structural defect. Your first step is to increase ventilation by running the bathroom exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower and keeping the window open when possible. Wipe down wet surfaces and address any standing water. If the mold is superficial and you can clean it with a vinegar or diluted bleach solution, it is typically your responsibility as part of general upkeep.

However, if the mold persists despite your diligent efforts to control moisture, the cause is likely a landlord issue. This includes a broken or underpowered exhaust fan that doesn't extract humidity, inadequate waterproofing behind the tiles, or a leak from another apartment. Document your cleaning attempts and communications.

For extensive growth, a professional inspection can identify the moisture source. A lab test is rarely needed for visible bathroom mold but can be useful in a tenancy dispute to prove the species and extent, as some landlords may dismiss it as a simple cleaning issue.