Who is responsible for black mold under bathroom flooring?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility depends on the cause. In Dubai rentals, landlords are generally responsible for structural repairs and issues arising from inherent building flaws, like a leaking pipe under the floor or faulty waterproofing that allows moisture ingress. Tenants are responsible for damage caused by their own negligence or failure to maintain proper ventilation.

Given the location under vinyl flooring, this strongly suggests a persistent moisture issue from below, which is often a structural or waterproofing failure. Document everything with clear photos and videos. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or building management in writing, as they are typically obligated to address the source of the leak.

The high humidity in Dubai means ventilation is critical, but an exhaust fan alone often can't combat a significant leak. This requires professional assessment to identify the moisture source. A proper inspection can determine if the leak is from your shower, a neighboring apartment, or a cracked pipe in the slab. Until the root cause is fixed, any mold cleanup will be temporary.

For a case this severe, with visible growth under the flooring, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent and identify the exact moisture source, which will definitively determine liability. The remediation process itself involves removing the affected flooring, addressing the moisture source, and properly treating the area to prevent recurrence.