Is landlord responsible for shower ceiling mold?« Back to Previous Page

We've been in our Discovery Gardens apartment for two years and just noticed a bunch of black mold spreading in the corner where the shower meets the ceiling. It’s been worse since the humidity shot up last month. Are we responsible for cleaning this, or is this something the landlord has to fix since it might be a building ventilation issue?
Posted by Giuseppe Torres
Asked on April 10, 2026 1:49 am
Based on the UAE Civil Code (Federal Law No. 5 of 1985), the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the root cause of the issue.

The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structural integrity and ensure all essential systems, including mechanical ventilation in bathrooms, are in good working order. If the mold on your shower ceiling is a direct result of a failure in the building's ventilation system, a hidden water leak from a pipe in the ceiling void, or inadequate waterproofing (a structural defect), then the remediation cost falls squarely on the landlord. The recent spike in Dubai's humidity will exacerbate any existing moisture problem but is not the primary cause.

However, as a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property in a clean and hygienic condition through day-to-day upkeep. If the mold is purely due to condensation buildup from showering without using the exhaust fan for an adequate time afterwards, or failing to wipe down wet surfaces, the responsibility to clean it may be yours.

Given the description of the mold "spreading" significantly, this suggests a persistent moisture issue that likely extends beyond surface condensation. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the exact cause. Our certified mold inspectors at Saniservice use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to differentiate between a ventilation failure, a leak, or simply condensation. This evidence-based report is crucial for discussions with your landlord and establishing liability.

For an accurate assessment and to resolve the issue correctly, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 12, 2026 10:23 pm