Landlord responsible for bathroom mold in rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

As a certified mold remediation specialist operating in Dubai, this is a very common issue we encounter, especially in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle. The black discoloration in your grout is almost certainly mold growth, and the fuzzy growth on the ceiling confirms an active colony. While running the exhaust fan is a good practice, it is often insufficient against Dubai's extreme humidity and the condensation caused by year-round AC use, which creates a perfect environment for mold.

Under UAE rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, which includes adequate ventilation systems. If the mold is a result of a pre-existing ventilation issue, a leaking pipe within the walls, or faulty waterproofing, the remediation cost falls on the landlord. However, if the cause is solely due to tenant lifestyle (e.g., not ventilating at all), the tenant may be liable.

I strongly advise against using bleach. It is a superficial fix that only removes surface discoloration and can actually aggravate the underlying mold by providing it with moisture. For a proper assessment, a professional inspection is crucial to determine the root cause—whether it's superficial condensation or a hidden leak. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to diagnose the source accurately.

For a definitive diagnosis and a remediation quote that you can present to your landlord, I recommend contacting our team. We can provide a certified report detailing the cause and necessary corrective actions.

Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a professional inspection.