Is black mold in my rental apartment the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing a lot lately, and I finally noticed a patch of black mold growing behind the toilet where it's always a bit damp. I’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for about a year and wipe the walls down, but it just keeps coming back. Is getting this treated the landlord's responsibility, or is it on me to deal with it?
Posted by Linh Sasaki
Asked on March 16, 2026 12:58 pm
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and ensuring it is habitable. This includes addressing issues like persistent mold growth that stems from a building defect, such as a hidden water leak, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation systems. The persistent return of mold behind your toilet, despite regular cleaning, strongly indicates an underlying moisture issue that is likely a maintenance responsibility of your landlord.

However, the climate in Dubai is a significant contributing factor. Year-round air conditioning creates substantial condensation, and the high humidity provides the perfect environment for mold spores to thrive, especially in damp, poorly ventilated areas like bathrooms. The presence of black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum or other species) and associated health symptoms like persistent coughing in children is a serious concern that requires professional attention. DIY cleaning often fails because it only addresses the surface growth, not the root moisture source or the deeply established hyphae within porous materials like grout and drywall.

We strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord of the issue and request a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and spore concentration, pinpoint the exact moisture source, and provide a detailed remediation protocol. For your family's health and to ensure the problem is resolved correctly, contact our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive assessment and a solution that addresses both the visible growth and the hidden cause.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 18, 2026 5:59 am