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

My kids have been coughing a lot, and I just pulled back the silicone sealant around our shower in our Jumeirah Village apartment to find a ton of black mold growing underneath it. The bathroom doesn't have a window and the extractor fan is weak, so I think the humidity has been building up for months. Is this something I need to fix myself, or is my landlord responsible for dealing with the mold and replacing the sealant?
Posted by Jessica Garcia
Asked on April 4, 2026 8:09 am
In Dubai's climate, the combination of year-round air conditioning and high ambient humidity creates a perfect environment for mold growth, particularly in windowless bathrooms with inadequate ventilation like the one you've described. The black mold discovered behind the silicone sealant is a serious concern, especially given your children's respiratory symptoms.

Under UAE tenancy law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues that arise from inherent building defects or faulty installations. This includes providing and maintaining functional ventilation systems. A weak extractor fan that fails to manage humidity, leading to widespread mold contamination, would typically fall under the landlord's obligation to rectify. You should formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue and request immediate remediation, as this poses a health hazard.

However, for a situation of this severity—where mold is concealed and health symptoms are present—we strongly advise against DIY removal. Disturbing the mold can aerosolize spores, significantly worsening indoor air quality and potential health effects. This requires professional assessment and remediation.

Our team at Saniservice is equipped to conduct a comprehensive inspection, including air quality testing to identify spore types and concentration levels. We then execute a controlled remediation process using industrial-grade HEPA filtration and antimicrobial treatments to ensure the mold is safely and completely eradicated, before replacing the sealant and addressing the underlying moisture issue. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 10:12 am