Who pays for bathroom mold removal: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for bathroom mold remediation hinges on the cause of the problem, as outlined in standard tenancy contract clauses and Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai.

As a specialist, the primary cause in Dubai bathrooms is almost always persistent high humidity and inadequate ventilation, leading to condensation. This is a structural or building performance issue. If the mold growth is a direct result of a lack of or faulty extractor fans, poor sealing around windows, or inadequate insulation against condensation, the financial responsibility for the remediation typically falls to the landlord. This is because the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property maintained to a good standard.

However, if our professional inspection determines the cause is exclusively tenant behavior—such as consistently not using the exhaust fan during and after showers, drying wet towels indoors, or failing to report a minor leak that then escalated—the cost could be the tenant's responsibility.

Given your description of the mold proliferating on the ceiling and in corners since the humid season began, this strongly points to a condensation issue exacerbated by Dubai's climate and year-round AC use, which can create significant temperature differentials. The presence of a toddler with allergies elevates this from a cosmetic issue to a health concern, necessitating professional remediation to ensure spores are properly contained and removed, not just superficially cleaned.

We strongly recommend a certified mold inspection to definitively identify the moisture source and scope of growth. This report is crucial evidence for discussing responsibility with your landlord. For expert assessment and CDC-compliant remediation, contact our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.