Am I responsible for cleaning black bathroom mold as tenant?« Back to Previous Page

We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for about a year, and the grout between the floor tiles in our master bathroom has been steadily turning black. It's been getting worse since the weather got more humid a couple of months ago, and now there's a small patch of fuzzy mold on the ceiling above the shower. As a tenant, am I responsible for cleaning this myself, or is this the kind of maintenance issue I should report to my landlord?
Posted by Willem Ferrari
Asked on April 12, 2026 4:00 am
Bathroom mold in Dubai is primarily a maintenance issue caused by high humidity and inadequate ventilation, not tenant neglect. Under standard Dubai rental laws (RERA), landlords are responsible for resolving issues related to building integrity and pre-existing conditions, which typically includes mold growth in bathrooms due to poor ventilation systems or faulty waterproofing.

As a tenant, your responsibility is to report the issue in writing to your landlord or property manager immediately. Document the mold with clear photos, noting its progression. You are expected to use the bathroom's ventilation fan during and for 30 minutes after showers to help manage moisture.

For the small patch on the ceiling, a DIY cleaning with a vinegar solution can temporarily manage it, but the recurring black grout indicates a persistent moisture problem that needs addressing. Given Dubai's climate, this often stems from condensation within wall cavities or inadequate sealing. A professional inspection can identify the moisture source—this is key, as simply cleaning visible mold will not stop it from returning if the underlying issue isn't fixed.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 13, 2026 10:47 pm