Is black grout and smell landlord's responsibility in JVC?« Back to Previous Page

Black grout and a musty smell in a JVC bathroom are almost always due to excess humidity and inadequate ventilation, common issues in Dubai's climate. While you are responsible for routine cleaning, the underlying cause—often a faulty or underpowered exhaust fan—is typically the landlord's responsibility to repair under Dubai rental law.

Tenants must maintain cleanliness, but landlords are obligated to ensure the property's fixtures and systems (like ventilation) are functional. If your exhaust fan isn't effectively removing moist air, the humidity condenses, allowing mould to regrow quickly after cleaning. Bleach only removes surface discolouration; it doesn't address the root moisture problem or kill the mould's roots deep within the porous grout.

First, formally notify your landlord in writing about the persistent issue and the suspected ventilation fault. Request that they assess and repair the exhaust fan. In the interim, run the fan during and for at least 30 minutes after every shower, and regularly wipe down wet surfaces to manage moisture. For a definitive assessment of the mould type and to document the issue, a professional inspection with air or surface sampling can provide concrete evidence of an indoor air quality concern, which strengthens your request for remediation.