Is black grout mold my or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, particularly Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for structural maintenance and issues that affect the habitability of a property fall squarely on the landlord. This includes problems with the building's ventilation systems, like a faulty extractor fan, and any resultant damage, such as systemic mold growth from that failure.

The black discoloration in your grout in JVC is almost certainly microbial growth, fueled by the high humidity and lack of adequate ventilation you've described. The landlord is obligated to ensure the property is provided with functional systems to prevent such issues. A weak extractor fan that cannot handle the moisture load from showers is a clear defect they must rectify.

However, your responsibility as a tenant typically involves routine cleaning and maintenance to prevent the issue from occurring in the first place, like wiping down wet surfaces after use. The persistent nature of the problem, especially given the recent humidity, points to an underlying ventilation fault.

For a definitive assessment and to formally document the issue, I highly recommend a professional mold inspection. Our certified technicians can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels, and provide a detailed report. This report is crucial evidence to present to your landlord, clearly outlining the cause and the required remediation steps, which should include fixing the extractor fan and professionally addressing the mold.

For a professional inspection to clarify responsibilities, you can call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.