Am I responsible for cleaning shower mold or my landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Black shower mold is primarily a tenant's responsibility to clean under most Dubai rental agreements, as it's considered routine maintenance resulting from daily use. However, the underlying cause may be the landlord's duty to fix.

If the mold is purely surface-level on grout and caulking, regular cleaning with a bathroom-specific fungicidal cleaner is your task. Focus on controlling humidity; run the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after showering and wipe down wet surfaces to remove standing water.

If the mold is extensive, recurring quickly despite cleaning, or you suspect a leak behind the tiles (like loose grout or a musty smell from the wall), you should report it to your landlord or building management. In Dubai, landlords are responsible for the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing leaks in plumbing, faulty waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation systems that cause chronic dampness.

For your Jumeirah studio, the relentless humidity is a major factor. Persistent fuzzy growth on the ceiling suggests high condensation, which could indicate the exhaust fan isn't powerful enough for the space—a potential maintenance issue for the owner. Document the issue with photos and formally request an inspection. A professional assessment can determine if there's a hidden leak or if the ventilation needs upgrading, which are legitimate landlord responsibilities.