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

We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and the grout between the floor tiles in our master bathroom has started turning black with mold, especially in the corner behind the toilet. I wipe it down with bleach weekly, but it just comes back worse. I'm worried it's spreading behind the walls. As a tenant, am I responsible for fixing this, or is this something I need to get my landlord to handle?
Posted by Mary Clark
Asked on April 7, 2026 3:38 pm
In Dubai's high-humidity climate, bathroom mold is a common yet serious issue, particularly in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle where year-round AC use can create significant condensation. The black mold in your grout, especially if it recurs after bleach cleaning, strongly suggests a persistent moisture source, potentially from a leaking pipe behind the wall or, more commonly, from insufficient waterproofing and sealing.

Under UAE rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for repair is typically determined by the nature of the defect. Structural issues and repairs related to the original construction, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking pipes within the walls, or inadequate ventilation systems, are unequivocally the landlord's responsibility. As a tenant, you are generally responsible for minor maintenance and keeping the property clean. However, your weekly cleaning efforts indicate this is beyond a simple surface problem.

The recurring mold and your concern about hidden growth warrant immediate professional attention. A surface application of bleach does not address the root moisture problem and can often aggravate the situation by feeding the mold roots deep within the porous grout. We strongly recommend a professional mold inspection. Our certified experts use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, and borescopes to non-invasively detect hidden moisture and mold growth within wall cavities.

For a definitive assessment and to prevent potential health risks and structural damage, please contact our team. We can provide a detailed report to clarify responsibility for your landlord and offer compliant remediation solutions.

Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection with Saniservice.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 9, 2026 2:51 pm