Is building management responsible for mold remediation in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC unit in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has been leaking for a while, and now we’ve discovered black, fuzzy mold growing all along the wall behind the bedroom wardrobe. My husband has had a constant stuffy nose and a cough that won't go away for over a month now, and I'm starting to get headaches. **Is this type of mold likely the cause of our symptoms, and who in Dubai is legally responsible for arranging and paying for the remediation—us as tenants or the building management?**
Posted by Richard Johnson
Asked on March 14, 2026 9:54 am
Based on the Dubai Land Department's (DLD) Tenancy Law and the standard rental contract, the responsibility for mold remediation depends on the source of the problem.

If the mold in your JVC apartment is a direct result of the AC unit leaking, which is considered a structural or maintenance issue with the building's installed systems, then the responsibility typically falls on the building management or landlord. They are legally obligated to provide a habitable property and maintain the structural integrity and functionality of fixed appliances like AC units. The persistent leak constitutes a failure in their maintenance duty.

However, responsibility could shift to you, the tenant, if the investigation determines the moisture source was due to tenant negligence—for instance, a failure to report the leak in a timely manner, improper ventilation leading to excessive humidity, or damage caused to the unit. The symptoms you describe (chronic cough, stuffy nose, headaches) are classic indicators of mold exposure and underscore the urgency of this situation.

For a definitive determination of liability and a proper remediation plan, a professional inspection is absolutely critical. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact source of the water intrusion and conduct air and surface sampling to identify the mold type and concentration. This expert report is often necessary to formally establish responsibility with the building management.

Do not attempt to remove this yourself, as disturbing toxic black mold can be hazardous. For immediate advice and to schedule a certified inspection, please call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can also provide the necessary documentation to support your case with the property manager.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 16, 2026 6:25 am