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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been growing in the corners of our master bathroom. We've lived in our Discovery Gardens apartment for 2 years and it's just gotten worse since the last humid spell. I wipe it away with bleach, but it always comes back within a week. Is this something I should fix myself or is my landlord responsible for the remediation?
Posted by Christopher Smith
Asked on March 21, 2026 2:35 am
Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. (5) of 1985, your landlord is obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes addressing structural issues and defects that affect health and safety, which persistent mold growth absolutely qualifies as. The high humidity in Discovery Gardens is a known catalyst, but the root cause is often inadequate ventilation or a hidden leak, which are the landlord's responsibility to rectify.

While wiping with bleach is a common DIY approach, it's a superficial fix. Bleach only removes the surface discoloration but doesn't address the root moisture source or kill the mold hyphae (roots) embedded in porous materials like grout and drywall. This is precisely why it returns so quickly. More concerningly, the act of cleaning can agitate and aerosolize spores, potentially exacerbating your children's respiratory symptoms, like the coughing you've noticed.

For a recurring and health-impacting issue like this, a professional inspection is strongly advised. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture intrusion, whether it's a leaking pipe behind the wall or insufficient ventilation. This evidence is crucial for formally requesting remediation from your landlord.

Don't risk your family's health with temporary solutions. For a definitive assessment and a report you can present to your landlord, call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Let's identify the real problem and ensure it's fixed properly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 23, 2026 12:49 am