Who is responsible for fixing mold from a cracked shower?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold growing in the corner of the shower where the grout is cracked. It's gotten worse since the weather got more humid. I'm worried about my family's health, but I'm not sure if this is something I should fix myself or if it's my landlord's responsibility to handle. Who is legally responsible for fixing mold caused by a pre-existing crack in the tile?
Posted by William Clark
Asked on May 1, 2026 12:25 pm
Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for structural repairs, including fixing cracked grout or tiles that allow moisture penetration. Since the mold resulted from this pre-existing crack, the responsibility for remediation likely falls on them. You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue, as they are obligated to provide a habitable property free of health hazards.

However, document the mold and the cracked grout clearly with photos and date stamps before you contact them. The high humidity in Dubai, especially during summer months, accelerates mold growth in such damp, enclosed spaces. While you wait for a response, you can help control the spread by regularly ventilating the bathroom after showers and using a squeegee on wet surfaces.

For a small, surface-level patch, a DIY clean with a vinegar solution might be sufficient for temporary control, but it will return if the underlying moisture issue—the crack—isn't fixed. If the landlord is unresponsive or the mold covers a large area (over one square meter), or if anyone in your household has respiratory sensitivities, a professional inspection is advised to assess the full extent. A proper remediation process for a bathroom often involves repairing the leak source, removing affected materials, and treating the area with antimicrobial solutions to prevent recurrence.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 2, 2026 12:38 pm