Tenant or landlord responsible for bathroom leak mold?« Back to Previous Page

This is the landlord's responsibility. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is obligated to maintain the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing leaks in plumbing, walls, and roofs that are causing the mold growth. Since the mold is on a wall backing onto a bathroom, the source is almost certainly a hidden pipe leak or seepage from the shower, which are structural issues.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, and request immediate repairs. They are responsible for fixing the leak at its source and for the subsequent mold remediation. Do not attempt a surface clean yourself, as disturbing it can release spores and the mold will return if the moisture source isn't eliminated.

The high humidity in Deira is a major factor, as it allows condensation to form and mold to thrive once a water source is present. A professional inspection is crucial to diagnose the exact leak source—often a failing sealant, cracked pipe, or poor bathroom waterproofing—and to assess the full extent of the mold behind the wall, which is usually worse than what's visible.

While you wait for the landlord to act, improve ventilation by running the bathroom exhaust fan for longer periods and keeping the closet doors open to reduce stagnant, humid air. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.