Who is responsible for AC mold in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

This is a very common and serious issue here in Dubai, given our extreme humidity. From what you've described, the black, fuzzy buildup is almost certainly mold, and the coughing in your children is a primary health symptom associated with prolonged mold spore inhalation.

Legally, the responsibility in a Dubai rental falls on the party responsible for the source of the moisture. The Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) generally places the maintenance of the property's main structure and central systems, including the AC unit itself, on the landlord. If the mold is a result of a malfunction in the AC unit—such as a clogged drain pan, broken condensate pump, or poor insulation on the ducts causing excessive sweating—the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the repair and the subsequent mold remediation.

However, if the mold is purely due to tenant usage—like consistently setting the thermostat too high, causing the unit to not run long enough to dehumidify properly, or blocking vents—the tenant might be liable. Given that you've noticed it after a humidity spike and it's concentrated at the vents, this strongly points to an issue with the AC system's ability to manage condensation, which is the landlord's responsibility.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing it will aerosolize the spores, potentially worsening your family's health. You need a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source and type of mold. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the issue and provide a legally defensible report for your landlord.

For immediate assistance and to get that professional inspection scheduled, I strongly recommend you call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Your family's health is not something to gamble with.