Should I report black bathroom grout to my landlord?« Back to Previous Page

That black grout is almost certainly mold, a common issue in Dubai bathrooms due to the high humidity and lack of ventilation. Bleach only removes the surface discoloration but doesn't kill the roots embedded in the porous grout, which is why it returns.

You should report this to your landlord. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for addressing issues that affect the property's habitability, which includes persistent mold caused by structural factors like inadequate ventilation. A weak exhaust fan that cannot manage the condensation from showers is a maintenance issue they are obligated to fix.

For now, use a dedicated EPA-approved mold remover or a paste of baking soda and vinegar, and scrub thoroughly. This can help manage it temporarily. However, the only permanent solution is to improve the bathroom's ventilation. Ask your landlord to assess and upgrade the exhaust fan to one with a higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating suitable for the room's size. In many cases, regrouting may be necessary after the source of moisture is controlled. If the problem is extensive or you experience health symptoms, a professional inspection can identify the spore types and the full extent of the issue.