Who is responsible for black mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

The grout in our master bathroom shower here in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has been getting these black spots for the past couple of months, and no matter how much I scrub, it comes right back. Our landlord says it's just dirt and we need to clean better, but I'm worried it's black mold, especially since my husband has been getting more frequent headaches. Who is actually responsible for getting this tested and remediated, us or the landlord?
Posted by Kavita Bose
Asked on March 25, 2026 9:17 am
Based on your description of recurring black spots in the shower grout within a Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, this is highly characteristic of mold growth, not simple dirt. The Dubai climate, with its extreme humidity and constant use of air conditioning, creates significant condensation issues, particularly in bathrooms. This persistent moisture provides the ideal environment for mold, most commonly Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) or Aspergillus niger.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property to ensure it is habitable. This includes addressing structural or maintenance-related issues that lead to health hazards, such as persistent water leaks, inadequate ventilation, or faulty waterproofing that cause mold infestation. Since the mold is recurring despite your cleaning efforts, it indicates an underlying moisture problem that the landlord is obligated to rectify. Your husband's increased frequency of headaches is a significant health concern that should not be dismissed, as it can be a symptom of mold exposure.

You should formally request, in writing, that the landlord arranges for a professional inspection and remediation. Do not attempt to handle suspected black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and exacerbate the health risk. A certified inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold species and concentration, which provides legal and technical justification for the required remediation work.

For a definitive diagnosis and a legally compliant remediation report, I strongly recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive assessment. Our certified team will identify the moisture source, perform UAE-standard testing, and provide a detailed report for your landlord, outlining the necessary corrective actions to resolve the issue permanently.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 27, 2026 4:01 pm