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

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been spreading along the ceiling in our master bathroom for the last couple of months. We're in a rental apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle, and I keep the exhaust fan running but the humidity just makes it worse. Am I responsible for paying for the cleaning and repainting, or is this something the landlord has to fix since it's a building ventilation issue?
Posted by Sophie Meyer
Asked on March 23, 2026 9:19 pm
Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for mold remediation largely depends on the root cause of the issue. As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property's cleanliness and reporting issues promptly. The landlord, however, is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure all building systems, including ventilation, are in good working order.

In your case, the persistent humidity and mold growth on the ceiling strongly suggest an underlying ventilation or insulation defect, which is a structural issue. Merely running the exhaust fan is insufficient if the system is faulty or underpowered for the space, a common issue in Dubai's high-humidity climate where condensation forms easily on cold surfaces from continuous AC use. The fact that your children are experiencing respiratory symptoms underscores the urgency; this is not a simple cleaning task but a potential health hazard requiring professional assessment.

We strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue and your health concerns. Request a professional mold inspection to determine the exact cause. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize spores and worsen the air quality.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your family's health, contact our certified specialists. We can perform a comprehensive inspection, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to provide an official report on the cause and necessary remediation steps, which can be used to liaise with your landlord. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for immediate assistance.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 25, 2026 12:04 pm