Is landlord responsible for bathroom mold from poor ventilation?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village apartment for two years, but just in the last few months, I've spotted black mold spreading along the caulking of our shower and it's starting to creep up the wall. The bathroom has no window and the extractor fan is incredibly weak, so it never fully dries out. As a tenant, am I responsible for cleaning this myself, or is my landlord required to fix the underlying ventilation issue that's causing it?
Posted by David Wright
Asked on April 3, 2026 4:25 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the source of the moisture. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes ensuring that essential fixtures like ventilation systems are fully functional.

The black mold you describe along the caulking and wall is a classic symptom of chronic high humidity and condensation, directly attributable to the inadequate extractor fan. This constitutes a failure of the building's infrastructure, not a result of tenant misuse. Therefore, your landlord is legally responsible for rectifying the underlying ventilation issue. They must repair or upgrade the extractor fan to a capacity sufficient for Dubai's humid climate, where air conditioning runs year-round and creates significant condensation in poorly ventilated spaces.

As a tenant, you are typically responsible for general cleaning, but professional mold remediation is not simple cleaning. Attempting to bleach or scrub it yourself can aggravate the problem by releasing spores and failing to address the root cause. The moisture has likely penetrated behind the tiles and wallboard, requiring expert assessment and removal.

We strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing of the defect and request immediate repairs. For a professional inspection and detailed report to substantiate your claim, or for certified remediation that includes antimicrobial treatment and addressing the hidden moisture, contact our specialists. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an expert evaluation and lasting solution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 6:02 pm