Am I responsible for cleaning mold in my rental shower?« Back to Previous Page

Black mould in bathroom grout and ceilings is common here due to our high humidity and condensation from showers. The core issue is almost always inadequate ventilation, which allows moisture to sit and mould to grow.

As a tenant, your responsibility is typically for routine cleaning and maintenance. This includes regularly wiping down surfaces to prevent mould buildup. However, when the mould is recurring and spreading to structural elements like the ceiling, it often points to a underlying issue with the property's ventilation system. This is generally considered the landlord's responsibility to rectify under Dubai rental law, as it concerns the habitability and maintenance of the property's core systems.

You should first notify your landlord or property management in writing, with photos, detailing the persistent issue and its spread. Clearly link it to the poor ventilation. They are usually obligated to address the ventilation fault. For extensive spread, especially on porous surfaces like a ceiling, a professional inspection can identify the mould type and the exact cause of the moisture, which provides a stronger case for necessary repairs. In the interim, use a squeegee on shower walls after every use and run the bathroom's exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes post-shower to help manage the humidity.