Is black mold in my rental the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Marina apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from behind the toilet where the wall meets the floor. It's definitely gotten worse since the humidity spiked last month. I'm worried about my toddler's allergies. As a tenant, am I responsible for cleaning this, or is this something the landlord needs to fix?
Posted by William Scott
Asked on March 28, 2026 2:10 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically governed by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the Dubai Rental Law). Generally, structural issues and problems inherent to the property itself are the landlord's responsibility. Mold originating from a concealed leak in the plumbing behind the toilet, exacerbated by the high ambient humidity and condensation common in Dubai's climate, would likely constitute a structural issue.

However, tenants are responsible for maintaining general cleanliness and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. The persistent use of air conditioning is critical to controlling humidity levels indoors. Given that the mold is spreading and you have a toddler with allergies, this is a health concern that warrants immediate attention.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the exact cause. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to identify the source of the moisture—whether it's a plumbing leak or simply severe condensation—and provide a detailed remediation protocol. Attempting to clean significant mold growth without addressing the underlying moisture source will lead to rapid regrowth.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly for your family's health, please contact our experts. We can also provide a formal report for your landlord if required.

Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 10:57 am