Landlord responsible for shower mold or should I fix?« Back to Previous Page

Landlord responsibility for mold remediation in Dubai rentals depends on the source of the moisture. Under the Dubai Rental Law, landlords are responsible for fixing structural defects and maintenance issues that cause problems like water leaks or faulty ventilation. If the mold is purely from daily use and high humidity, general cleaning falls to the tenant.

The persistent black mold in your grout, especially in JVC's high humidity, strongly suggests a deeper issue. Constant scrubbing with bleach only removes surface discoloration; it doesn't address the root cause or the hyphae (roots) growing within the porous grout. The moisture source could be a small crack in the grout or behind the tiles, inadequate bathroom ventilation, or even a leak from adjacent plumbing. This is a health concern and a potential property damage issue.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best), describing the issue and including clear photos. Politely request they investigate the moisture source and arrange for proper remediation, which involves fixing the leak or ventilation flaw first, then professionally removing the mold. For a case this persistent, a professional inspection is warranted to identify the exact moisture source. DIY fixes with bleach are temporary and can worsen the problem by pushing mold deeper.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference your right to a habitable property and may file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). In many cases, landlords will address it to prevent further damage to their property.