Is landlord responsible for bathroom mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been spreading across the ceiling in our master bathroom in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment. We’ve wiped it down a few times, but it keeps coming back worse, especially since the weather got more humid. Who is responsible for getting this professionally treated, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Anthony Garcia
Asked on April 3, 2026 12:24 am
As a certified mold remediation specialist operating in Dubai, your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle is unfortunately very common, primarily due to the emirate's high humidity levels and the constant cycling of air conditioning, which creates significant condensation. The recurring black mold on your ceiling is a clear indicator of a persistent moisture issue, likely from a leak in the plumbing above or, more commonly, insufficient bathroom ventilation allowing humid air to become trapped.

Regarding responsibility, UAE tenancy law generally places the maintenance of the property's fundamental structure and major systems on the landlord. This includes issues like hidden plumbing leaks or a faulty ventilation system that are the root cause of the mold growth. As the tenant, you are typically responsible for maintenance stemming from daily use, such as ensuring the exhaust fan is used during and after showers and wiping down wet surfaces. However, since you have repeatedly cleaned it and the problem recurs worse, the underlying cause is almost certainly a structural or mechanical fault, making it the landlord's obligation to rectify.

Given the health symptoms your children are experiencing, this is a serious indoor air quality issue that requires immediate professional attention. DIY wiping often spreads spores and does not address the root moisture source. We strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection to identify the exact species of mold and the precise source of moisture. This certified report will be crucial evidence for your landlord.

For a comprehensive assessment and to discuss your case with our specialists, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide the necessary documentation to present to your landlord and execute a permanent remediation solution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 7:07 pm