Is my landlord responsible for bathroom mold in my apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Our ensuite bathroom in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has had this musty smell for weeks, but now I’m seeing black spots growing along the bottom of the shower wall and the ceiling. We run the exhaust fan constantly and keep the window open, but the humidity just doesn't go away. Is my landlord responsible for fixing the cause of this mold, or is cleaning it up considered my job as the tenant?
Posted by Jan Lopez
Asked on March 29, 2026 7:58 am
Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for structural repairs and addressing issues inherent to the property itself falls on the landlord. The mold you describe in your JVC apartment, particularly its growth pattern on the wall and ceiling, is highly indicative of a persistent moisture issue that is likely structural in nature. Common causes we find in Dubai's humid climate include concealed plumbing leaks, insufficient waterproofing (tanking) behind the tiles, or poor external building sealing that allows humid air to penetrate the walls.

As a tenant, your responsibility is limited to maintaining adequate ventilation, which you are already doing by running the exhaust fan. However, if the root cause is a leak or a construction defect, superficial cleaning is a temporary and ineffective solution. The mold will persistently return until the moisture source is professionally identified and rectified.

Given the extent of the growth and the persistent musty odor, a professional inspection is strongly recommended. Our certified inspectors use tools like thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture intrusion without destructive investigation. This evidence is crucial for formally notifying your landlord of their obligation to conduct the necessary repairs.

For a definitive assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, I advise you to contact our team. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive mold and moisture inspection. We can provide a detailed report that outlines the cause and necessary remedial actions, which you can then present to your property management.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 1:46 am