Landlord vs tenant: who fixes recurring bathroom mold?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for almost a year, and the grout between the bathroom tiles has been getting steadily blacker, especially in the corner behind the toilet that never gets any sun. I try to scrub it but it just comes back worse a week later, and the damp smell is really starting to bother me. What are the landlord's responsibilities for fixing a recurring mold issue like this versus what's considered my job to maintain as a tenant?
Posted by Deepa Iyer
Asked on March 25, 2026 3:28 am
In the UAE, particularly in humid climates like Dubai, bathroom mold in grout is a common issue driven by high ambient humidity, condensation from air conditioning, and inadequate ventilation. The delineation of responsibility between landlord and tenant for a recurring mold problem like this is defined under Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law.

The landlord is legally obligated to provide a property that is habitable and in good structural condition. This includes ensuring the apartment is properly waterproofed and that the ventilation systems (like bathroom extractor fans) are functional. A recurring issue, especially one causing a persistent damp smell, strongly suggests an underlying problem such as a hidden plumbing leak, faulty waterproofing behind the tiles, or an inadequate ventilation system. These are structural defects the landlord must address.

Your responsibility as a tenant is limited to general maintenance and daily ventilation. This means regularly cleaning surfaces, using exhaust fans during and after showers, and wiping down wet areas to mitigate condensation. However, if the mold returns aggressively despite these efforts, it moves beyond simple maintenance and indicates a deeper issue.

For a definitive assessment, a professional inspection is crucial. Our certified mold inspectors at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the source of the moisture—whether it's condensation, a leak, or capillary action—which determines liability. We provide a detailed report that can be used to formally request remediation from your landlord. Do not continue scrubbing, as this can aerosolize harmful spores. For a thorough inspection and resolution, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 27, 2026 10:42 am