Is black mold in shower tenant or landlord responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility depends on the cause. In Dubai, tenants are generally responsible for general cleaning and maintenance to prevent mold, such as wiping down surfaces and using the exhaust fan. However, if the mold is due to a structural or maintenance issue like a hidden leak, faulty waterproofing, or an inadequate ventilation system, then it becomes the landlord's responsibility to fix the underlying problem.

Given that you're in an older Deira building and the bleach treatment is failing, a persistent leak or poor ventilation is likely. The UAE's high humidity and constant AC use create massive condensation, which can overwhelm a bathroom's design if the exhaust fan is undersized or the building's ducting is blocked. Bleach only removes surface discoloration and does not address the moisture source or the roots within the porous grout.

First, formally notify your landlord or building management in writing about the recurring issue and the strong smell, as this indicates a potential health concern. Request they investigate for leaks behind the tiles and assess the ventilation system's performance. They are obligated to provide a habitable property.

For a definitive answer, a professional inspection can identify the moisture source. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). In the interim, using a dehumidifier or squeegeeing walls after every shower can help manage humidity.