Is bathroom mold my or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village apartment for a year and just noticed black mold spreading along the bottom of the bathroom wall where the shower is. It’s behind the toilet a bit too, and the grout is looking dark green. It’s been super humid lately and I’m worried it’s a bigger issue. Am I responsible for cleaning this myself, or is this something the building management or landlord needs to fix?
Posted by Ken Ito
Asked on March 15, 2026 7:06 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for bathroom mold remediation is typically determined by the cause of the moisture. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to provide a habitable property and are responsible for rectifying structural or maintenance-related defects. This includes fixing leaks in plumbing, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation systems that are the root cause of the mold growth.

Your situation in Jumeirah Village, with mold spreading along the shower wall and grout, is extremely common due to our climate. The high ambient humidity, combined with condensation from hot showers and year-round AC operation creating temperature differentials, creates a perfect environment for mold. If the issue is solely due to this environmental humidity and lack of surface ventilation (e.g., not using an exhaust fan), the tenant is often responsible for the cleaning and maintenance. However, the widespread nature you describe, particularly behind the toilet, suggests a potential persistent moisture issue that may extend beyond surface condensation.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the exact moisture source. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to differentiate between condensation and a hidden leak, which is critical for determining liability. Attempting to clean it yourself without identifying the source is a temporary fix; the mold will inevitably return.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly, contact our team. We can provide a detailed report for your landlord if a building defect is found. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 18, 2026 2:11 am