Is my landlord responsible for bathroom mold repair?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and the grout between the bathroom floor tiles is turning black with mold, especially in the corner behind the toilet where it's always damp. I try to keep it clean, but the smell is getting worse. Is this something I should fix myself with a cleaning product, or is my landlord responsible for handling the repair since it seems like a persistent ventilation or sealing issue?
Posted by Camille Schmidt
Asked on March 16, 2026 7:27 pm
Based on Dubai's tenancy law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for addressing structural and maintenance issues that affect the habitability of the property. This includes problems with the building's ventilation systems, waterproofing, and leaks from internal plumbing that lead to persistent dampness and mold growth.

The black mold in your grout, especially in that perpetually damp corner, strongly indicates an underlying issue beyond surface cleaning. The constant dampness suggests inadequate ventilation, a potential failure in the waterproof membrane beneath the tiles, or even a micro-leak from the toilet's seal. Surface cleaning is a temporary fix; the mold will return until the root cause is identified and remediated.

For a case like this in JVC, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified technicians use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint the exact source of the moisture without invasive demolition. This evidence is crucial for formally communicating the structural nature of the problem to your landlord.

Document the issue with photos and formally notify your landlord in writing. If the problem is due to a structural fault, they are obligated to fix it. For a proper assessment and a detailed report you can present to your landlord, please give us a call at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Don't just clean it—get it fixed correctly.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 18, 2026 8:30 am