Am I responsible for cleaning black mold as tenant?« Back to Previous Page

As a tenant, you are typically responsible for routine cleaning and minor maintenance, but significant mold growth due to structural or maintenance issues is generally the landlord's responsibility. The persistent damp smell and recurring growth you describe, especially worsening with humidity, suggest an underlying ventilation or moisture problem beyond simple surface cleaning.

In Dubai's climate, high humidity and constant AC use create perfect conditions for mold in bathrooms where exhaust fans are inadequate or not used long enough. You should report this to your landlord or property management immediately. Document the issue with clear photos and a written notice, as this protects your security deposit and health. The landlord is usually obligated to address the source of the moisture—such as checking for hidden leaks behind the toilet, ensuring the exhaust fan is functional and vented properly, and remediating the mold.

For health safety and to ensure the problem is correctly diagnosed, a professional inspection is wise. They can identify the mold type and source, which is crucial for proper remediation. While you can clean visible surface mold with appropriate cleaners, it will return if the humidity and condensation issues aren't resolved. To manage it daily, run the bathroom exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower and wipe down wet surfaces.