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

Based on the specific conditions you've described—recurring black discoloration in grout, persistent dampness, and poor ventilation in an older Deira building—this is a structural issue, and the responsibility for remediation falls squarely on the landlord.

Under UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition and are responsible for all major maintenance issues affecting the building's structure and essential services. Inadequate ventilation is considered a structural defect. The persistent dampness behind the toilet, which is not a direct result of shower steam, indicates a potential underlying issue like a slow leak from the toilet's seal or water supply line, which is also the landlord's responsibility to investigate and repair.

While tenants are responsible for general day-to-day cleanliness, the climate in Dubai is a major contributing factor. The high humidity and constant use of air conditioning create significant condensation, especially in poorly ventilated bathrooms. Merely running an exhaust fan is often insufficient if the ventilation system itself is underperforming or if there is no make-up air source, which is common in older constructions. The black growth you see is likely Stachybotrys chartarum or other toxigenic molds, which require professional assessment.

We strongly recommend you formally request a professional mold inspection from your landlord. If they are uncooperative, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC). For an accurate assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, you can contact our specialists at Saniservice. We can perform a certified inspection, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to definitively identify the moisture source and type of mold, providing a report that outlines the necessary remediation steps. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for assistance.