Tenant or landlord responsible for bathroom mold repair?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years, and I've just noticed black mold spreading along the grout in the shower and on the ceiling. The bathroom doesn't have a window and the extractor fan is really weak, so it never fully dries out between uses. Who is responsible for handling this kind of repair and cleanup – me as the tenant, or is it the building management's job?
Posted by Betty Walker
Asked on March 16, 2026 1:51 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property like your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment is typically dictated by the lease agreement and Dubai's rental laws. The underlying cause of the mold is the critical factor in determining liability.

As a tenant, you are generally responsible for maintenance resulting from your daily use and for ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent moisture accumulation. The weak extractor fan and lack of a window create a classic environment for mold growth, exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use, which leads to significant condensation.

However, the landlord is responsible for the property's structural integrity and the functionality of installed appliances and systems. This includes ensuring that the ventilation system, like the extractor fan, is in good working order to perform its intended function. A weak fan that cannot adequately remove humid air may constitute a failure on the landlord's part to provide a habitable property.

Your first step should be a formal written notification to the building management and your landlord. Document the issue with photographs and explicitly state that the inadequate ventilation is the suspected cause. They are obligated to address repairs to the building's systems.

For a definitive assessment of the mold's extent and the primary moisture source, a professional inspection is highly recommended. Our certified team at Saniservice can conduct a thorough investigation, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to provide an official report that clarifies responsibility and outlines the necessary remediation protocol. For serious cases, do not attempt cleanup yourself, as improper handling can spread spores.

For immediate consultation and to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 17, 2026 11:31 am