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

My bathroom's ceiling in our Jumeirah Village apartment has had this black mold creeping along the grout for the last two months. It’s gotten way worse since the humidity kicked in, and now there's a constant damp smell in the hall. We wipe it down, but it just comes back stronger. Who is responsible for fixing this kind of persistent mold issue, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Raj Reddy
Asked on April 16, 2026 3:20 am
Responsibility for bathroom mold in Dubai rentals depends on the cause. The landlord must address structural issues like faulty waterproofing, leaking pipes, or inadequate ventilation. As a tenant, you're responsible for damage from daily use, such as failing to run the exhaust fan during showers.

Given the persistent nature of your issue and the damp smell spreading, this likely exceeds simple condensation. The recurring growth after cleaning and the seasonal worsening strongly suggest a hidden moisture source or insufficient ventilation, which are typically the landlord's responsibility to rectify under Dubai's rental laws that mandate a property be maintained in a habitable condition.

For a definitive answer, a professional inspection is advised. An expert can identify the moisture source—be it a small leak, rising damp, or the building's ventilation design—and provide a report. This evidence is crucial for formally requesting repairs from your landlord. In Dubai's humid climate, especially in bathrooms without windows, mechanical ventilation running for at least 30 minutes after a shower is essential to manage condensation, a common tenant duty.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 16, 2026 5:05 pm