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

My bathroom’s grout has been turning black with mold for a couple of months, especially behind the toilet where it's always a bit damp. I'm in a rented apartment in Jumeirah Lakes Towers and I run the exhaust fan religiously. I’ve tried cleaning it myself with bleach, but it just comes back worse. Is this something I should be fixing on my own, or is my landlord responsible for addressing the underlying moisture issue?
Posted by Margaret Jackson
Asked on March 22, 2026 10:26 am
Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and addressing issues that affect its habitability. A recurring mold problem, particularly one that persists despite your diligent cleaning and use of the exhaust fan, strongly suggests an underlying structural or systemic moisture issue. This could be a hidden leak in the plumbing behind the toilet, insufficient waterproofing, or a defective exhaust ventilation system that is not effectively extracting moisture to the outside. These are not considered tenant-caused wear and tear and fall under the landlord's maintenance obligations.

The high humidity and constant use of air conditioning in Dubai create a perfect environment for mold, especially in poorly ventilated bathrooms where condensation accumulates. Your use of bleach is a common mistake; it only bleaches the surface pigment and does not address the root system of the mold, often causing it to return more aggressively due to the moisture content in the bleach solution.

We strongly recommend you cease self-remediation and request a professional inspection. A certified inspector can use tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to identify the precise source of the moisture intrusion. This technical report will be crucial evidence for your landlord, proving the issue is beyond superficial cleaning. For a definitive diagnosis and to have the evidence needed to formally request remediation from your landlord, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive assessment.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 24, 2026 10:06 am