Is landlord responsible for bathroom mold and health issues?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's spreading in the corner of our master bathroom. We've lived in this Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for 2 years and just noticed it getting really bad after the recent humidity. The grout between the tiles is almost completely black now. Who is responsible for fixing this and the potential health issues, me as the tenant or the landlord?
Posted by Carlos Dubois
Asked on April 7, 2026 11:30 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically defined by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the 'Dubai Rental Law'). The landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues arising from inherent building defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking pipes within the walls, or inadequate ventilation systems. These are considered maintenance issues that fall under their purview.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining the property's cleanliness and ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent condensation, a primary cause of mold in Dubai's humid climate. If the mold growth in your bathroom is a direct result of a structural defect (e.g., a hidden pipe leak from the apartment above or failed shower waterproofing), the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the repair and the resulting remediation.

The health symptoms you describe, particularly in children, are a significant concern and underscore the need for a professional assessment. Determining the root cause is critical for assigning liability. We strongly recommend you contact a certified mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our experts can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the moisture source, perform air and surface sampling to quantify the spore count and species present, and provide a detailed report. This professional documentation is essential evidence if you need to formally request remediation from your landlord or present a case to the Rental Dispute Settlement Center.

For immediate advice and to schedule a professional inspection to determine liability and protect your family's health, please call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 9, 2026 2:07 pm