Landlord or tenant responsible for bathroom mold remediation?« Back to Previous Page

My bathroom ceiling in my Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has had this black mold growing in the corner for a couple of months, and it’s getting worse after every shower. I’ve tried wiping it down but it just comes back. I’m worried about my family’s health, especially my toddler’s breathing. As a tenant, am I responsible for fixing this, or is it my landlord’s job to handle the proper remediation?
Posted by Sarah Jones
Asked on April 30, 2026 10:20 am
In Dubai, responsibility typically falls on the landlord for structural issues causing mold, while tenants handle surface-level cleaning. Since this is a recurring problem on the ceiling, it's likely due to inadequate ventilation or a hidden leak in the building envelope, which is the landlord's responsibility to fix.

Document the issue with clear photos and notify your landlord or building management in writing, referencing the recurring nature and potential health concerns for your toddler. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property to a habitable standard, which includes addressing persistent dampness that leads to mold. They are obligated to investigate and repair the root cause, such as checking for leaks from upstairs or ensuring the bathroom exhaust fan is functional and venting properly outside.

For immediate action, increase ventilation by running the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower and wiping down wet surfaces. However, wiping alone is insufficient if the underlying moisture source isn't resolved. Given the health concerns, a professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source and mold type, which provides concrete evidence for your landlord and confirms the necessary remediation scope. In many JVC apartments, this is a common issue due to high humidity and condensation from year-round AC use, often requiring proper sealing or ventilation upgrades.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 1, 2026 3:44 pm