Is black, slimy bathroom grout my responsibility or landlord's?« Back to Previous Page

Black, slimy grout in a Dubai bathroom is almost certainly active mould growth, a common issue here due to the high humidity and year-round AC use creating condensation. The tenancy law generally places the responsibility for major structural repairs and issues stemming from building defects on the landlord. Your responsibility as a tenant is typically for general cleaning and maintenance from day-to-day use.

However, the cause determines the responsibility. If the mould is superficial—caused by moisture from showers and inadequate ventilation—it is likely a cleaning issue for the tenant. If the black growth persists after a thorough cleaning with a dedicated grout cleaner or a vinegar solution, it suggests a deeper issue. The problem could be leaking pipes behind the tiles, insufficient waterproofing, or failed grout/sealant allowing moisture into the substrate, which is a structural maintenance item for the landlord.

Before contacting your landlord, document the issue with photos and attempt to clean a small, affected area. If the black discolouration and slimy texture return quickly or the grout is crumbly, this indicates an underlying moisture problem you cannot fix. At that point, notify your landlord in writing with the evidence, as persistent dampness can damage the building structure. For severe, recurring cases, a professional inspection can identify the moisture source, which provides a concrete report for your landlord.