Landlord or professional for black bathroom grout mold?« Back to Previous Page

The grout between the floor tiles in my Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment's guest bathroom has started turning black, and it won't come clean no matter what I scrub it with. We've been here for about 18 months and it's just gotten progressively worse. I'm worried it's mold, but I don't know if this is something I'm supposed to handle myself or if the landlord is responsible for this kind of deep cleaning. Should I be hiring a professional cleaning company for the grout, or is this a maintenance issue I need to report to the property manager?
Posted by Betty Lewis
Asked on March 25, 2026 2:51 pm
0
The black discoloration in your bathroom grout in Jumeirah Village Triangle is a very common issue in Dubai, and it is almost certainly mold or mildew. The combination of high humidity from showers and year-round AC usage, which can create condensation, provides the perfect damp environment for microbial growth. Regular scrubbing often fails because the mold penetrates deep into the porous grout.

Under typical UAE rental contracts (EJARI), the landlord is responsible for structural and maintenance issues, while the tenant handles routine cleaning. However, the line can be blurry. If the mold growth is superficial due to a lack of ventilation or cleaning, it may be considered a tenant responsibility. But if it is pervasive, indicating a potential underlying moisture issue like a leaking pipe or faulty waterproofing behind the tiles, this is a structural defect the landlord must address.

I strongly recommend a professional inspection first. Attempting to clean a serious infestation yourself can aerosolize spores and worsen indoor air quality. A certified expert can determine the root cause—whether it's surface-level or a sign of a hidden problem.

For a definitive diagnosis and a permanent solution, contact our team at Saniservice. We specialize in assessing these exact scenarios. Our hygienization process doesn't just clean the surface; it eliminates the microbial growth at its source and can provide protective sealing to prevent recurrence. Call us at 800-66537 or email hello@saniservice.com for a thorough assessment and quote.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 27, 2026 1:54 am