Is bathroom mold a tenant or landlord responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The ceiling above the shower in my bathroom in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has developed a pretty bad black mold patch over the last couple of months. We run the exhaust fan, but the humidity here is just relentless. I'm a tenant, so am I responsible for cleaning this, or is this the building management's job since it might be a leak from upstairs or poor ventilation?
Posted by Jisoo Nguyen
Asked on April 4, 2026 7:16 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for bathroom mold remediation depends on the underlying cause, as outlined in standard tenancy contracts and Dubai's rental laws (Law No. 26 of 2007). As a tenant, you are typically responsible for maintaining the property's cleanliness and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold caused by condensation. This includes regularly running the exhaust fan during and after showers and wiping down wet surfaces.

However, if the mold on your ceiling is a result of a structural issue, such as a water leak from the apartment above, a faulty plumbing pipe within the walls, or a fundamentally inadequate ventilation system, the responsibility falls to the landlord or building management. The relentless Dubai humidity and year-round AC use can exacerbate these issues, but the root cause is key.

Given that the mold has developed significantly despite using the exhaust fan, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to determine the origin. An inspection by a certified company like Saniservice will identify if the issue is purely surface-level condensation or a hidden leak. We use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and air quality tests to provide a definitive report. This evidence is crucial for formally engaging your landlord or building management, as it distinguishes tenant-duty maintenance from landlord-duty structural repairs.

For a conclusive assessment and to protect your health and tenancy rights, we advise you to call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a thorough inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 2:47 am