Is landlord responsible for shower mold in rented apartment?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's climate, the high ambient humidity and constant use of air conditioning create a perfect environment for mold growth, particularly in bathrooms where condensation is prevalent. The black discoloration in your grout is likely Aspergillus niger, a common but potentially harmful mold in such conditions.

Regarding landlord responsibility, your tenancy contract is the primary reference. Under typical Dubai rental laws (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues that constitute a health hazard or affect the habitability of the unit. Persistent mold growth that is causing a damp odor to spread beyond the bathroom can be argued as such a condition. The landlord is typically obligated to address the root cause if it is related to a structural defect, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking pipes within the walls, or an inadequate ventilation system. Merely running the exhaust fan may not be sufficient if the underlying issue is a lack of make-up air, meaning the fan cannot effectively exchange the moist air if no fresh air can enter the sealed room.

However, we strongly advise against DIY remediation. Disturbing the mold without proper containment and professional-grade antimicrobials can aerosolize spores, significantly worsening indoor air quality and spreading the contamination to other areas like your hallway.

We recommend you formally notify your landlord of the issue in writing, emphasizing the spread of the odor, and request a professional inspection. As a certified environmental company, Saniservice can perform a comprehensive assessment to determine the moisture source, extent of contamination, and provide a remediation protocol that complies with Dubai Municipality standards. This documented report will be crucial for your landlord to understand the severity. For immediate assistance, you can call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.