Is black bathroom grout landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Black bathroom grout is typically a tenant's responsibility for cleaning and maintenance in Dubai, unless it's proven to be caused by a structural defect like a hidden leak or inadequate ventilation. The recurring black discoloration you're scrubbing away is almost certainly mold, a common issue in JVC due to our high humidity and condensation from showers.

Under standard Dubai rental contracts (EJARI), tenants are responsible for general upkeep and cleanliness, which includes surface mold on grout. However, if the mold is caused by a building issue—like faulty extractor fans that don't meet Dubai Municipality standards, a leaking pipe behind the wall, or poor waterproofing—then it becomes the landlord's responsibility to rectify the underlying problem. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the persistent recurrence, emphasizing that basic cleaning isn't solving it.

Given the mold's persistence, a professional inspection is wise to determine if there's a hidden moisture source. In many Dubai bathrooms, the extractor fan is undersized or broken, failing to remove humid air effectively. If the inspection finds the ventilation system is defective or there's a leak, your landlord must fix it. For your own health, reduce humidity by running the AC consistently, using the extractor fan for at least 30 minutes after showering, and wiping down wet surfaces. If the mold returns within days of cleaning, the issue is environmental, not cosmetic.