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

We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year now, and I just pulled back the silicone sealant around our shower and found a ton of black mold growing underneath it. The bathroom doesn't have a window and the extractor fan is really weak, so it never seems to dry out properly. Since this seems like it's been building up for a while, am I responsible for fixing this or is it my landlord's job to handle the repair and cleaning?
Posted by Mona El-Masri
Asked on March 26, 2026 3:02 am
Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, a landlord is responsible for all major maintenance and repairs that affect the fundamental structure or essential systems of the property. This includes issues with the building's inherent ventilation systems, such as a faulty or underperforming extractor fan, which is a primary cause of the persistent moisture leading to your mold problem.

The discovery of mold underneath the silicone sealant is particularly significant. This indicates a long-term moisture issue that likely extends beyond simple surface condensation from use. Since the bathroom lacks a window, the landlord is obligated to provide a functional mechanical ventilation system to prevent such damage. The weak fan failing to properly evacuate humid air constitutes a failure in providing that essential service, placing the responsibility for remediation on them.

However, you must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately, as delays can be construed as negligence on your part. For a case this severe, we strongly recommend a professional inspection to assess the full extent of the mold growth, which may have spread behind tiles or into wall cavities. Our certified inspectors can provide a detailed report you can present to your landlord, outlining the cause and the required remediation scope.

For immediate advice and to schedule a professional assessment, please call us at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 28, 2026 11:02 pm