who is responsible for bathroom black mold: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

We've been in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle for about a year, and over the last few weeks, a black mold has started growing in the corners of the bathroom ceiling and along the grout in the shower. The bathroom doesn't have a window and the exhaust fan is really weak, so it never feels like it dries out properly. Who is responsible for dealing with this kind of repair and the potential health hazard, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Nasser El-Sayed
Asked on April 13, 2026 2:20 am
Responsibility for bathroom mold in Dubai rentals depends on the cause. Structural issues like poor ventilation, leaking pipes, or inadequate waterproofing are typically the landlord's responsibility to fix. However, daily moisture control from showers is the tenant's duty.

The weak exhaust fan is a key factor, as Dubai's high humidity prevents bathrooms from drying naturally. You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the mold and the faulty fan, as this is likely a maintenance issue they must address under the tenancy contract's implied warranty of habitability.

While you wait for a response, increase airflow by leaving the bathroom door open after showers and wiping down wet surfaces. For extensive growth, a professional inspection can identify the moisture source and confirm the mold type, which is crucial for proper remediation. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 15, 2026 12:20 am