Is landlord responsible for bathroom's moldy grout?« Back to Previous Page

Black grout in a bathroom is almost always a moisture-related mould issue, a common challenge in Dubai due to high humidity, dust accumulation, and constant AC use creating temperature differentials that encourage condensation.

As a tenant, your responsibility typically involves routine cleaning and maintenance to prevent such issues. The landlord is generally responsible for repairs related to the property's structure and inherent defects, such as faulty waterproofing, leaking pipes within the walls, or inadequate ventilation systems. If your scrubbing only provides a temporary fix and the discoloration returns from within the grout, this strongly suggests a persistent underlying moisture problem that likely falls under the landlord's purview for investigation and repair.

Document the issue thoroughly with dated photos and formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing. Reference the recurring nature of the problem. They should arrange for a professional inspection to diagnose the source—be it a hidden leak, compromised tanking, or insufficient extraction in the bathroom. Until the root cause is addressed, any surface cleaning will be ineffective. For your health, ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated during and after showers to manage ambient humidity.