Is landlord or tenant responsible for shower mold?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation in a rental property is typically defined by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended. Generally, structural issues and maintenance of the property's core systems, including ventilation (like the bathroom extractor fan), fall under the landlord's responsibility. As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining cleanliness. However, the recurrent black mold in your shower grout, exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use leading to condensation, indicates a failure of the building's envelope or ventilation system, not your cleaning habits.

Scrubbing with bleach is a superficial fix; it only removes surface discoloration but does not address the moisture source or kill the roots (hyphae) within the porous grout. The problem will persistently return until the underlying issue—likely inadequate ventilation preventing proper moisture evacuation—is resolved. This requires a professional assessment to determine if the extractor fan is underpowered, blocked, or ducted incorrectly.

I strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and requesting a professional mold inspection and remediation. This is a health and habitability concern. For a definitive diagnosis and a permanent solution, our certified team at Saniservice can perform a comprehensive inspection, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to identify the exact cause and provide a remediation protocol. This evidence can be crucial for discussions with your landlord.

For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.