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

We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and over the last few months, a stubborn black mold has been creeping up the grout in the corner of our master bathroom shower. It’s gotten worse since the weather got more humid. I’ve tried cleaning it with bleach, but it just comes back after a few weeks. Who is responsible for dealing with this kind of recurring issue—me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Lisa Lewis
Asked on April 2, 2026 2:20 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for recurring bathroom mold is typically determined by the cause, as outlined in standard tenancy contracts and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007. As a tenant, you are responsible for general cleaning and maintenance. However, if the mold growth is due to a structural or systemic issue—such as a hidden leak in the plumbing, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation—then the responsibility falls to the landlord to rectify the underlying problem.

Given the conditions you describe in Jumeirah Village Circle, the recurrence points to a persistent issue. The high humidity of Dubai's climate, combined with year-round AC use, creates significant temperature differentials that lead to condensation. This moisture, trapped within walls or under tiles, provides the perfect environment for mold to thrive. Bleach is a superficial solution; it only removes surface discoloration but does not address the moisture source or kill the hyphae (roots) deep within the porous grout.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the root cause. Our certified technicians use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to identify hidden leaks and condensation points that are not visible to the naked eye. This technical assessment is crucial for definitively assigning responsibility.

For a conclusive diagnosis and a permanent remediation solution, please contact our experts. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection with Saniservice.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 3, 2026 9:02 pm