Who is responsible for mold removal in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a bunch of black mold growing along the ceiling in the master bathroom. It seems to have gotten much worse since the humidity spiked last month. I'm worried it's a health risk for my family, but I'm not sure if this is something I'm supposed to handle myself or if it's the landlord's responsibility to fix. Who is legally responsible for removing mold in a rental, especially when it's likely due to poor ventilation in the bathroom?
Posted by Nikhil Iyengar
Asked on March 14, 2026 7:58 pm
In the UAE, and specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold removal in a rental property is primarily governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the 'Dubai Rental Law'). Typically, the landlord is responsible for rectifying issues related to the fundamental structure of the property and inherent building systems, such as faulty ventilation ducts, leaking central AC systems, or structural water ingress. If the black mold growth in your Jumeirah Village Circle bathroom is a direct result of inadequate or non-functional ventilation—a common issue in our humid climate where condensation accumulates rapidly—this falls under the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable dwelling.

However, the tenant is responsible for issues arising from negligence or misuse, such as failing to use the bathroom's exhaust fan during and after showers or not reporting a minor leak in a timely manner. The persistent high humidity, compounded by year-round air conditioning that can create significant temperature differentials, accelerates mold growth in any area with poor air circulation.

Given the extent you've described (a bunch of black mold along the ceiling), a professional inspection is critical. We must determine if the mold is superficial due to surface condensation or a symptom of a more serious hidden issue, like a leak from the apartment above or within the ceiling void. Surface cleaning with bleach is a temporary fix that fails to address the root moisture cause and can aggravate spore dispersal.

For a definitive assessment and to establish legal responsibility, I strongly recommend a certified mold inspection. Our team at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the exact source and provide a report that can be used to formally request remediation from your landlord. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 16, 2026 10:34 am