Is black mold in rental bathroom landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract terms, the responsibility for addressing mold in a rental property is typically determined by the source of the problem. As a tenant, you are generally responsible for routine cleaning and maintenance. However, if the mold growth is a direct result of a structural or maintenance issue with the property itself—such as inadequate ventilation, a leaking pipe within the walls, or faulty construction—then the obligation falls to the landlord to rectify it.

In your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, the primary cause appears to be the insufficient bathroom exhaust fan, which fails to remove humidity effectively. This is a building system issue. The landlord is responsible for ensuring the property is habitable and that essential fixtures, like ventilation, are in good working order. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the mold and the defective fan. They are obligated to address the root cause by repairing or replacing the ventilation system.

It is crucial to understand that simply cleaning the visible mold is a temporary fix. Without resolving the high humidity levels, the mold will return. The combination of Dubai's intense climate, year-round AC use leading to temperature differentials, and enclosed bathrooms creates a perfect environment for mold proliferation.

For a definitive assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, a professional mold inspection is highly recommended. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice can identify the exact species of mold, quantify the spore levels in the air, and provide a detailed report pinpointing the moisture source. This report is invaluable for clarifying responsibility with the landlord. For serious infestations, our remediation team can then safely and permanently remove the mold. For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.