Who is responsible for cleaning black bathroom grout?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing issues stemming from inherent building flaws like poor ventilation or faulty waterproofing. The tenant is responsible for damage resulting from negligence or misuse.

Black grout is typically mould feeding on constant moisture. In older Deira buildings with high humidity and inadequate ventilation, condensation is a chronic issue, not a lifestyle one. If you consistently use the exhaust fan and the problem persists, the root cause is likely insufficient air exchange—a building infrastructure problem. Document your fan usage and the persistent dampness.

For immediate action, a mixture of one part vinegar to one part water applied directly to the grout can help reduce surface mould. However, this is only a temporary solution if the underlying moisture issue isn't resolved.

The most definitive way to resolve responsibility is through evidence. A professional inspection can identify the moisture source—whether it's internal condensation due to poor ventilation (landlord's responsibility) or a hidden leak (also landlord's responsibility). Companies with microbiology labs can provide a surface swab test to confirm the mould type, which creates a factual report to present to your landlord or the Dubai Rental Dispute Center. Without this evidence, the dispute often hinges on your word against theirs.