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

We've lived in our Marina apartment for two years and just noticed a bunch of black mold spots growing in the corner where the shower wall meets the ceiling. It's been getting worse since the humidity really kicked in last month. Is getting this cleaned up and fixed my responsibility as the tenant, or is this something the landlord or building management needs to handle?
Posted by Nancy Rodriguez
Asked on March 13, 2026 11:37 am
Based on UAE tenancy law and the specifics of Dubai's climate, the responsibility for mold remediation in your Marina apartment is typically determined by the source of the problem.

Black mold in a bathroom is most often a result of the unique environmental conditions here: extreme humidity, condensation from air conditioning systems running year-round, and inadequate ventilation. If the mold growth is due to these factors or a lack of proper maintenance from you as the tenant (e.g., not using the exhaust fan during and after showers), then the responsibility for cleaning it falls on you.

However, the landlord is unequivocally responsible if the mold is caused by a structural or maintenance issue. This includes persistent water leaks from faulty plumbing within the walls, a leaking pipe from the apartment above, inadequate waterproofing, or a defective building envelope. In such cases, the underlying defect must be repaired by the property owner before any mold remediation can be effective.

Given the mold's location at the wall-ceiling junction, a professional inspection is highly recommended. Our certified inspectors can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the exact moisture source through thermal imaging and moisture meters, which is critical for determining liability. Attempting to clean it without addressing the root cause will only lead to its rapid return. For a definitive diagnosis and a remediation plan that complies with Dubai Municipality standards, please contact our specialists for an inspection.

Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 14, 2026 3:09 pm