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

Our master bathroom in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has developed black mold spots along the ceiling and in the corners of the shower. It's been getting worse since the humidity really kicked in a couple of months ago. We always use the exhaust fan, but it doesn't seem to help. As a tenant, am I responsible for cleaning this myself, or is the landlord required to handle the remediation since it might be a ventilation issue?
Posted by Ana Fischer
Asked on March 24, 2026 8:51 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically governed by the terms of your tenancy contract and the Dubai Rental Law. Generally, the landlord is responsible for addressing structural and maintenance-related issues that lead to mold growth. This includes problems with the building's ventilation system, inadequate waterproofing, leaking pipes within the walls, or faulty air conditioning systems that cause excessive condensation. If the mold in your Jumeirah Village Circle bathroom is a result of poor ventilation design or a malfunctioning exhaust fan that is part of the building's fixed installation, the liability for remediation falls on the landlord.

However, tenants are responsible for maintaining general cleanliness and ensuring adequate daily ventilation. Merely running an exhaust fan may not be sufficient in Dubai's high-humidity climate; you must also leave bathroom doors open after showers and regularly wipe down wet surfaces to mitigate moisture. If the landlord can demonstrate that the mold proliferation is due to tenant negligence in maintaining proper hygiene and airflow, the cost of remediation could be your responsibility.

Given the visible black mold spots, this is beyond a simple cleaning task. Disturbing it improperly can aerosolize harmful spores throughout your apartment. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to identify the exact species and the underlying moisture source. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to diagnose whether the issue is tenant-related or a building defect, providing a formal report that can be used to liaise with your landlord. For a definitive assessment and safe, guaranteed remediation, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 8:45 pm