Who is responsible for shower mold in a rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

We’ve lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years, but just noticed black mold creeping out from behind the silicone sealant around our shower. It's gotten much worse since the humidity spiked last month. I'm not sure if this is something I should handle myself with bleach or if I need to contact my landlord. Who is typically responsible for fixing this kind of mold issue in a rental?
Posted by Youssef Ahmed
Asked on March 20, 2026 2:17 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is primarily dictated by the tenancy contract and the nature of the issue. Generally, the structural integrity of the property and the provision of essential services (like a functioning AC system and proper ventilation) are the landlord's responsibility. If the mold growth in your Jumeirah Village Circle bathroom is a direct result of a structural defect, such as a hidden water leak from plumbing within the walls, a faulty seal, or inadequate ventilation systems, then the landlord is obligated to address both the root cause and the resulting mold under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended).

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining the property in a clean and hygienic condition. The extreme humidity and condensation prevalent in Dubai, especially during summer months, require tenants to use bathroom extractor fans diligently during and after showers and to wipe down wet surfaces to mitigate moisture accumulation. If the mold is purely surface-level and a direct consequence of lifestyle moisture that was not properly managed, the cleaning and minor remediation may fall to you.

Given that the mold is emerging from behind the silicone sealant, this strongly indicates a persistent moisture issue that likely extends beyond surface condensation. This warrants a professional inspection to determine the underlying cause. Attempting a DIY fix with bleach is not recommended; it only bleaches the visible spores without addressing the root moisture or removing the established hyphae roots, leading to rapid regrowth.

For a definitive assessment of liability and a proper, lasting solution, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. We can conduct a thorough inspection, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the source and provide a detailed report for your landlord if necessary. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 22, 2026 1:29 am