Landlord responsible for bathroom mold in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for a year and the grout between the bathroom tiles has been getting blacker and blacker, no matter how much I scrub. The landlord is saying it's our fault from not ventilating properly, but we always run the exhaust fan after showers. Who is actually responsible for fixing this kind of persistent mold issue in a rental?
Posted by Brittany Harris
Asked on April 7, 2026 7:00 pm
In the UAE's high-humidity climate, particularly in Dubai, bathroom mold is an extremely common issue, driven by condensation from hot showers and year-round AC operation creating temperature differentials. From a technical standpoint, the persistent black discoloration in your grout is likely Aspergillus or Cladosporium, which are common in such environments. While tenant responsibility includes adequate ventilation (running the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes post-shower and, if possible, opening a window), the landlord is typically responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the property.

According to common interpretations of Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes addressing issues arising from inherent building flaws. If your ventilation system is underperforming—a common issue where exhaust fans are not ducted properly or lack sufficient extraction power—the root cause is a maintenance problem, not tenant negligence. Simply scrbbing the surface is insufficient; the mold has likely penetrated the porous grout, requiring professional remediation.

We strongly recommend a professional mold inspection to determine the exact species and the underlying moisture source. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice can conduct air and surface sampling to provide a definitive report. This objective evidence is crucial for formally requesting remediation from your landlord, as it distinguishes a maintenance issue from a cleaning one. For a conclusive assessment and to resolve the issue permanently, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 10, 2026 5:22 am