Am I or landlord responsible for shower mold in rental?« Back to Previous Page

Black mould in shower grout is typically a tenant responsibility for cleaning and maintenance, as outlined in standard Dubai rental contracts. However, if the root cause is a building-wide ventilation system failure or a hidden water leak within the walls, the responsibility shifts to the landlord for remediation.

In Jumeirah Lakes Towers, persistent high humidity and inadequate bathroom ventilation are primary catalysts for this issue. First, document the problem thoroughly with photos and dates. Inform your landlord or building management in writing about the recurring mould, specifically mentioning the potential ventilation issue. Request that they check the bathroom extractor fan's functionality; it should be powerful enough to clear steam within minutes of a shower.

While awaiting a response, manage humidity immediately. Run the extractor fan for at least 30 minutes after every shower and leave the bathroom door open to encourage air circulation. Wipe down wet tiles and glass surfaces with a squeegee after use. These steps can help reduce the mould's return rate.

If the landlord is unresponsive or denies the ventilation is faulty, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC). For a definitive assessment of whether the mould is superficial or indicative of a larger problem, a professional inspection can identify the species and source. This provides concrete evidence if a dispute arises.