Mold in windowless Dubai bathroom: urgent landlord fix?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing a lot lately, and I just pulled back the corner of the bath mat to find a bunch of black and green fuzzy mold spreading on the tiles and grout near the shower. Our apartment is in Jumeirah Village Circle and the bathroom doesn't have a window, so it never really dries out completely. What's the most effective way to kill this mold for good, considering the humidity here, and is this something I should tell my landlord about immediately?
Posted by Jessica Robinson
Asked on April 19, 2026 12:15 pm
Yes, you should notify your landlord immediately, especially with children experiencing respiratory symptoms. Document the issue with clear photos and a written request. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing persistent dampness and mold that affect health.

For immediate action, scrub the area with a dedicated fungicidal cleaner or a solution of white vinegar and baking soda. Never use bleach, as it only removes the surface color and can worsen airborne spore release. The core issue is the constant high humidity. After every shower, use a squeegee on the walls and run the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes. A dehumidifier or a small desiccant-type moisture absorber in the bathroom can help significantly.

Given the lack of ventilation in JVC apartments, this is a systemic problem. Surface cleaning alone is a temporary fix. The mold may have penetrated the grout or be growing behind the tiles. A professional inspection with moisture mapping can identify the full extent. For health-related cases, a lab test can identify the mold species, which is critical information if symptoms persist. Your landlord should arrange for proper remediation, which may involve regrouting, applying anti-microbial sealants, or improving the extraction system.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 21, 2026 11:20 pm