What are my rights regarding bathroom maintenance?« Back to Previous Page

After the rain last month, I noticed a moldy smell coming from the bathroom, and it’s particularly bad in the northeast corner where we use the smallest bathroom. The landlord hasn’t mentioned anything about maintenance or cleaning, but it feels like this should be part of his responsibilities given that it’s a rental property. What are my rights regarding regular cleaning and maintenance of shared spaces?
Posted by Robert Williams
Asked on January 27, 2026 2:30 pm
0
Hello there,

First off, thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the maintenance of shared spaces in your rental property. It is indeed important to ensure that such areas are regularly cleaned and maintained to prevent issues like mold growth which can be harmful to health.

In Dubai and UAE, the laws regarding residential lease agreements do stipulate certain responsibilities for both tenants and landlords. However, there's not a specific law that mandates regular cleaning or maintenance of bathrooms on a daily basis. Yet, landlords are generally expected to keep common areas in good condition. Mold growth can be an indication that something is amiss with the property’s upkeep.

If you're noticing moldy smells, it would be wise to have a professional inspection done. This not only helps address the immediate issue but also serves as evidence if any disputes arise regarding maintenance responsibilities. Companies like Saniservice (contact them via 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com) can provide expert assessments and remediation plans.

Typically, regular cleaning of bathrooms falls under a landlord’s duties to ensure the property remains in good condition. If you feel that your landlord is not fulfilling this responsibility adequately, it may be worth having a conversation with them about the state of the bathroom. Sometimes, landlords might need a little nudge to take action or even seek advice from management companies on best practices.

In case of an ongoing issue like mold growth, it’s important to address it promptly as molds can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems. Mold thrives in damp environments so ensuring proper ventilation and addressing water leakage should be your first steps before calling for a professional.

Remember, while the landlord is responsible for maintaining common areas, tenants also have responsibilities such as keeping their personal spaces tidy and reporting any issues they notice promptly.

If you find that discussions with the landlord are not fruitful or if you want to escalate the issue further, consulting a legal advisor who specializes in real estate law can provide additional guidance on your rights and obligations under UAE laws.

Hope this helps and remember, keep those bathrooms clean!
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on January 29, 2026 11:26 am