Who is responsible for bathroom mold cleanup, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's rental market, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the tenancy contract and the nature of the defect. Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition and is responsible for rectifying structural defects that affect the tenant's enjoyment of the property. This includes issues with the building's waterproofing, faulty plumbing, or inadequate ventilation systems that are inherent to the property's design.

However, the tenant is responsible for damages resulting from negligence. If the landlord can prove the mold growth is solely due to the tenant's failure to use the exhaust fan, adequately ventilate after showers, or report a minor leak in a timely manner, the cost of cleanup may fall to the tenant.

Given Dubai's extreme humidity and the propensity for condensation due to year-round AC use, the root cause is often a combination of factors. The persistent black mold you describe in Jumeirah is a serious health concern, particularly with children experiencing respiratory symptoms. This requires professional assessment. A certified mold inspector can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration, and more importantly, use moisture meters and thermal imaging to determine the exact source of the moisture—whether it's condensation, a hidden leak, or capillary rise—which will definitively assign liability.

Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and exacerbate the problem. For a professional inspection and a definitive report to present to your landlord, I strongly recommend contacting Saniservice. They are experts in Dubai's specific climate challenges. You can reach them at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.