Is my landlord responsible for fixing shower mold?« Back to Previous Page

Black shower grout is almost always a moisture issue, not a cleaning one. In Dubai's high humidity, poor ventilation allows condensation to soak into porous grout, creating a persistent mold problem.

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential systems, which includes proper ventilation and waterproofing. If the mold is due to a building-level issue like a faulty exhaust fan, inadequate waterproofing behind the tiles, or a leak from another apartment, the landlord must address it. However, if the issue is solely due to tenant lifestyle (e.g., not using the provided exhaust fan during showers), the cleaning responsibility falls to you.

Given your building's age and location in Deira, a professional inspection is wise to diagnose the root cause. A moisture meter can determine if water is trapped behind the tiles, which is a structural defect. For now, document the issue and request in writing that your landlord assess the ventilation system. If they are unresponsive, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. In the interim, run the exhaust fan for 30 minutes after every shower and wipe down wet surfaces to manage humidity.