Is landlord responsible for black mold in rental shower?« Back to Previous Page

Persistent black discoloration in bathroom grout is commonly caused by mould, often from the Cladosporium or Acremonium genera, though the notorious Stachybotrys ("black mould") is less common in such surface-level, high-moisture areas.

Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential systems to ensure it is habitable. This includes addressing the root cause of the mould, which is typically excessive moisture. Since you note poor ventilation, the landlord is likely obligated to repair or upgrade the bathroom's extractor fan to meet Dubai Municipality standards, which is the core issue. They are not typically responsible for routine cleaning of surface mould.

For remediation, the process is two-fold. First, address the surface growth with a dedicated grout cleaner or a diluted bleach solution. However, this is only a temporary fix without solving the humidity. Second, and most critical, you must formally request in writing that the landlord rectify the inadequate ventilation. A certified mould inspection can provide a professional report detailing the moisture source and mould species, which serves as powerful documentation for your request. In Dubai's climate, where AC runs year-round, proper ventilation is non-negotiable for preventing this exact issue. If the landlord refuses to address the underlying cause after written notice, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.