Who is responsible for black mold under shower sealant?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility typically falls on the landlord to fix this, as it's a building maintenance issue related to dampness and waterproofing. Your tenancy contract is the final arbiter, but Dubai's standard Ejari agreements generally hold the landlord responsible for the property's structural integrity, which includes addressing leaks and resultant mold that make the unit uninhabitable.

The black mold you found is a common issue in Dubai bathrooms due to high humidity and condensation from showers meeting cool AC-chilled surfaces. This trapped moisture under the silicone creates an ideal environment for growth, which can absolutely exacerbate allergy symptoms like congestion and sneezing.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos. Simply cleaning the visible mold is insufficient; the sealant must be completely removed, the underlying area treated with a microbial wash to kill the roots, and then new, high-quality sealant applied to prevent rapid recurrence. For extensive growth, a professional assessment can determine the full scope and provide documentation for your landlord. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC).