Who is responsible for bathroom mold: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village apartment for about a year, but it's only since the humidity really kicked in a couple of months ago that we've discovered black mold growing along the bottom of the bathroom wall behind the toilet. The grout in the shower is also looking pretty dark. I wipe it down, but it just comes back. Who is responsible for dealing with this, me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Gary Lewis
Asked on March 14, 2026 12:25 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for bathroom mold remediation is typically determined by the source of the moisture, as outlined in standard tenancy contract obligations. As a specialist in Dubai's unique climate, I find this is a common issue exacerbated by our high humidity and year-round AC use, which creates significant condensation.

The landlord is generally responsible for rectifying issues stemming from structural or maintenance failures. This includes leaks within the walls, faulty waterproofing, inadequate ventilation systems, or defective plumbing that may be causing the persistent dampness behind your toilet. The recurring nature of the problem, despite your cleaning efforts, strongly suggests an underlying moisture source that needs to be professionally diagnosed.

As the tenant, your responsibility is to maintain proper ventilation by using the bathroom extractor fan during and for at least 30 minutes after showers, wiping down wet surfaces, and reporting any issues promptly to the landlord. However, the mold's location behind fixtures indicates a problem beyond surface condensation.

Given the potential for hidden damage and health concerns from black mold, a professional inspection is crucial. Our certified inspectors use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to identify the exact moisture source—whether it’s a hidden pipe leak, compromised grout, or insufficient sealing—and provide a detailed report for the landlord. This evidence-based approach is often necessary to determine liability and the required remediation scope.

For a definitive assessment and to resolve this issue, I recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 16, 2026 6:39 am