Am I responsible for bathroom black mold cleanup?« Back to Previous Page

My bathroom in my Discovery Gardens apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, and I just pulled back the silicone sealant around the shower and found a ton of black mold. The ventilation fan is pretty weak and the humidity here is just a nightmare. Am I responsible for cleaning this up myself, or is this something I need to report to my landlord to fix properly?
Posted by Zainab Malik
Asked on March 31, 2026 3:15 pm
As a certified mold remediation specialist operating in Dubai, I can confirm that the issue you're describing is extremely common in Discovery Gardens and across the UAE due to our high humidity levels and the constant use of AC, which creates significant condensation.

Regarding responsibility, your lease agreement is governed by Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), known as the 'Law of Landlord and Tenant.' Under this law, the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the main structure of the property and any issues that affect the habitability, which includes a significant mold infestation caused by underlying issues like poor ventilation or hidden leaks. The presence of black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) behind sealant indicates a persistent moisture problem that likely extends beyond surface condensation. A weak ventilation fan is a maintenance issue the landlord must address.

However, tenants are responsible for general upkeep and minor cleaning. Given that you have discovered a "ton" of black mold, this is no longer a minor surface issue. Attempting a DIY remediation on this scale is highly inadvisable. Disturbing the mold without proper containment and professional-grade antimicrobial agents can aerosolize the spores, spreading the contamination to other areas of your apartment and posing a health risk.

The correct course of action is to immediately report this in writing to your landlord or property management company, with photographic evidence, and request a professional mold inspection and remediation. We strongly recommend a company like Saniservice, as our certified technicians use thermal imaging to identify moisture sources, perform air quality testing to determine spore count, and execute a full remediation protocol including containment, HEPA filtration, and hygienization to ensure the problem is resolved at its source.

For a professional assessment and to discuss your case, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 11:54 am