Is bathroom black mold an urgent landlord fix?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, it requires prompt attention. The high humidity in Dubai, especially during summer, accelerates mold growth. While not every black mold is the toxic Stachybotrys, any mold in grout indicates persistent moisture and can cause respiratory irritation, worsened allergies, and damage to the grout and underlying surfaces.

Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structure, which includes addressing leaks and moisture issues that lead to mold. You should notify your landlord in writing immediately. Document the spread with dated photos. This creates a record in case of dispute. They are obligated to investigate and fix the source of the moisture, which is often a leaking shower seal or pipe, or inadequate bathroom ventilation.

For now, you can help manage it by using a squeegee on walls after showering and running the exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes afterwards. However, scrubbing visible mold is only a temporary solution if the moisture source isn't fixed.

If the landlord is unresponsive, or if the mold covers a large area or has reappeared after a previous fix, a professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source and mold type. This provides concrete evidence for the landlord and is crucial if anyone in the household has asthma or other respiratory conditions.