Who is responsible for mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

We've been in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for almost a year and just noticed a small patch of what looks like mold growing in the corner of our bedroom closet, near the outer wall. The AC unit is right outside this wall and I'm worried there might be a leak or seepage issue from the recent humidity. Who is responsible for investigating and fixing this, me as the tenant or my landlord, and what are the proper steps I need to take to get it resolved?
Posted by James Torres
Asked on March 31, 2026 9:34 pm
As a certified indoor environmental quality specialist operating in Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation is typically defined by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended). Generally, structural issues like water seepage from a leaking AC unit or a building envelope defect are the landlord's financial and repair responsibility. However, if the mold is determined to be a result of tenant negligence, such as a failure to use the AC properly leading to condensation, the cost may fall to you.

The proper steps to resolution are critical. First, document the issue thoroughly with clear photographs and a dated written notification to your landlord or property management company. This creates a formal record. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this only removes surface discoloration and can exacerbate the problem. Given the location near the AC external unit, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the moisture source—be it a refrigerant line leak, ductwork condensation, or structural seepage. This is not just about cleaning; it's about solving the root cause to prevent recurrence and potential health issues.

For a definitive assessment and a remediation plan that complies with Dubai Municipality's public health standards, I recommend you call our specialists. We can conduct a moisture mapping and indoor air quality assessment to provide an official report for your landlord.

Call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 3:25 am