Is black grout mold a tenant or landlord responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Black grout in bathrooms is almost always mold, and in Dubai's climate, it's a persistent issue due to high humidity and condensation from temperature changes. The responsibility for fixing it depends on the root cause.

As a tenant, you are typically responsible for routine cleaning and maintenance. This includes surface mold caused by normal use. However, if the mold is due to a structural issue like a hidden water leak, faulty waterproofing, or poor ventilation, that becomes the landlord's responsibility to repair. The recurring musty smell and your concern about it spreading behind the walls strongly suggest a deeper moisture problem beyond surface condensation.

You should formally report this to your landlord or property management company immediately. Under Dubai rental laws, landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. Document the issue with photos and a detailed description of the persistent musty odor. A professional inspection is often needed to identify the source of the moisture, as the problem may be within the wall cavity or from a leaking pipe. This assessment can determine liability.

For your own health, stop just wiping it. Surface cleaning disturbs spores and can make the smell worse. Until the issue is resolved, run the bathroom exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower and keep the door open to improve airflow. A dehumidifier can also help reduce the ambient moisture that fuels mold growth in our humid environment.