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

We’ve lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a bunch of black mold growing in the grout between the wall tiles behind the toilet. It’s been getting worse since the humidity kicked in a couple of months ago. Who is responsible for dealing with this, me as the tenant or the landlord, and am I supposed to just clean it myself with bleach?
Posted by Sarah Wright
Asked on March 24, 2026 6:01 am
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues arising from inherent building defects or faulty infrastructure that lead to dampness and mold. As a tenant in Jumeirah Village Circle, your responsibility is to maintain the property's cleanliness and report any issues promptly.

The location behind the toilet is a critical diagnostic point. While surface condensation from high humidity and year-round AC use is common in Dubai, this specific area often indicates a more serious problem. The persistent moisture could be stemming from a concealed leak in the water supply line to the toilet or, more seriously, a faulty wax ring seal at the base of the toilet, which allows sewer humidity and moisture to seep into the wall cavity and subfloor.

Using bleach is strongly discouraged. It is a superficial fix that only bleaches the visible mold on the surface while leaving the root colony intact. More critically, bleach is predominantly water, which can actually feed the mold growing within the porous grout and behind the tiles, exacerbating the problem over time.

We recommend you immediately notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue. Given the potential for concealed damage, a professional inspection is essential to determine the true moisture source. Our certified inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact cause without destructive investigation. If the mold is widespread or the leak is internal, professional remediation by a company like Saniservice is required to properly contain the area, remove contaminated materials, and restore a healthy environment.

For a definitive assessment and to prevent potential health risks and structural damage, please contact our specialists. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 8:55 pm