Landlord or me: fix black bathroom grout in rental?« Back to Previous Page

Black grout in bathrooms is common here due to our high humidity, even with exhaust fans running. The black discoloration is often Cladosporium mold, which thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas.

For a small, surface-level patch, you can attempt to clean it yourself. A solution of one part distilled white vinegar to one part water is often more effective than bleach on porous grout, as it can penetrate better. Scrub with a stiff brush, rinse thoroughly, and ensure the area dries completely. However, this is only a temporary fix if the underlying moisture issue isn't resolved.

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for structural maintenance and issues affecting the property's habitability. While surface mold might start as a cleaning task, its persistent return points to a potential ventilation or hidden moisture problem, which falls under the landlord's maintenance obligations. This is especially true if there's a leaking pipe behind the wall or under the floor tiles.

If the mold keeps returning despite your cleaning efforts, or if you notice a musty smell or the affected area is large (over one square meter), you should formally notify your landlord. Request a professional inspection to identify the root cause, as simply scrubbing the surface will not stop it from recurring. A proper assessment can determine if there's a hidden leak or insufficient ventilation that needs to be addressed.