Is landlord responsible for black mold near AC?« Back to Previous Page

Landlords in Dubai are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and habitability of the property, which includes addressing leaks and moisture issues that lead to recurring mold. Since the black spots are spreading near the AC unit, this strongly indicates an underlying moisture problem—likely a leak from the unit's condensate drain line or inadequate insulation causing condensation, both exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity.

Your attempt to clean it with vinegar is a common approach, but it only addresses surface growth and not the root cause, which is why it returns. For a persistent issue like this, a professional inspection is needed to identify and fix the moisture source. The landlord should arrange this.

Under the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is obligated to undertake major maintenance. You should formally notify them in writing (email is best) with clear photos, detailing the issue and its recurrence. Request that they send a qualified professional to properly diagnose and remediate the problem, not just perform a superficial clean. If they are unresponsive, you can reference your right to a habitable property and may escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre.