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

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and this weird black mold keeps coming back in the corner of my bathroom ceiling, right near the AC vent. I’ve scrubbed it with bleach twice now, but it just returns within a couple of weeks, and the damp smell is getting worse. Is my landlord responsible for fixing this since it seems like a ventilation or building issue, or is it on me to keep cleaning it?
Posted by Matthew Torres
Asked on March 20, 2026 7:43 am
Based on the specifics of your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle, this is highly likely a landlord responsibility. Recurring mold, especially near an AC vent, is a strong indicator of an underlying systemic issue, not a surface cleaning problem.

The primary cause in Dubai's climate is typically inadequate ventilation leading to excessive humidity and condensation. Your AC unit's condensate drain line could be blocked or the drip pan overflowing, introducing moisture directly into your ceiling cavity. Alternatively, the bathroom's exhaust fan may be underpowered or ducted improperly, failing to remove humid air after showers. Bleach is ineffective as it only removes surface discoloration and does not address the moisture source or kill the roots (hyphae) embedded in the building material.

Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, which includes the proper functioning of air conditioning and ventilation systems. A recurring mold issue caused by these factors falls under their purview for remediation.

You must formally notify your landlord in writing of the problem and request a professional inspection. Continuous scrubbing with bleach can exacerbate the situation by releasing a high concentration of spores into the air.

For a definitive diagnosis, a certified mold inspection is crucial. We use thermal imaging to detect hidden moisture and air sampling to identify spore types and concentrations. This evidence is vital for resolving liability with your landlord. For professional testing and a comprehensive remediation plan, please contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 21, 2026 10:21 pm