Is my landlord responsible for bathroom mold repair?« Back to Previous Page

We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and the grout between the wall tiles in our master bathroom has started turning black. It's spreading and the room constantly smells damp, no matter how much I clean. What's the rule here - is this something I need to fix myself, or is my landlord responsible for handling this kind of repair?
Posted by Kayla Hill
Asked on March 21, 2026 8:05 am
Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Law No. 5 of 1985, your landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property and carry out repairs for anything that affects its intended use or your safety. The black discoloration in your grout and persistent damp smell are strong indicators of an active mold infestation, likely caused by a hidden moisture source like a leaking pipe within the wall, faulty shower waterproofing, or poor ventilation. This is not just a cosmetic issue; it's a building integrity and potential health concern.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately. They are responsible for investigating and fixing the root cause of the moisture. However, be aware that they may only be responsible for the structural repair and stopping the leak. The cosmetic remediation of the mold itself can sometimes become a point of contention if the lease states tenants are responsible for "minor maintenance."

Given the description that it's spreading and has a constant odor, this is a serious case. The visible mold is often just the tip of the iceberg. We strongly recommend a professional mold inspection to identify the exact moisture source and the full extent of the contamination, which will provide you with a definitive report to give to your landlord. For a proper assessment and to get that report, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Don't just clean the surface, get to the root of the problem.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 23, 2026 6:39 am