Is landlord responsible for shower mold and poor ventilation?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed these black spots spreading along the grout in the shower. It’s been extra humid lately and the bathroom ventilation fan has always been a bit weak. Is this something I need to handle myself, or is the landlord responsible for fixing the mold and improving the ventilation?
Posted by Gary King
Asked on March 30, 2026 9:07 pm
As a certified mold inspection and remediation specialist operating in Dubai, I can provide clarity on this common issue. The responsibility for addressing shower mold and ventilation problems in a Jumeirah Village Circle apartment is typically outlined in your tenancy contract and falls under the landlord's obligation to maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes ensuring that essential fixtures, like ventilation systems, are fully functional. A weak fan that cannot manage the Dubai climate's high humidity levels directly contributes to condensation and mold growth, which is a health and property integrity issue.

Under the Dubai Rental Law, landlords are responsible for major maintenance and repairs, especially for issues related to the building's core systems. Persistent mold caused by inadequate ventilation often qualifies as such. However, the tenant is usually responsible for minor maintenance and keeping the property clean. We strongly recommend you first formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the defective ventilation and the resulting mold growth, giving them a reasonable timeframe to address it.

Given the mold is already spreading, a professional assessment is crucial. Surface cleaning may not solve the underlying problem if the humidity source isn't controlled. Our technicians use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the extent of the issue and the performance of your ventilation, providing a definitive report that can be used to clarify responsibility with your landlord.

For a comprehensive inspection and a detailed report to present to your landlord, we advise contacting our team. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 9:32 am