Black mold from leaking AC: landlord or tenant responsible?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for mold remediation in Dubai rental properties is generally determined by the cause of the problem. Since the mold is a direct result of a leaking AC unit, which is a structural fixture, the landlord is almost always responsible for the repair and subsequent cleanup.

Your immediate step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos of the leak and the recurring mold. Under the Dubai Rental Law, landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes fixing faults in essential systems like air conditioning that lead to secondary damage. Simply wiping the mold is ineffective; the moisture source must be repaired first.

The persistent return and strong odor indicate a significant issue. In Dubai's high humidity, mold can spread inside wall cavities from a continuous leak. This requires professional remediation: isolating the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall, and applying antimicrobial treatments after the AC leak is permanently fixed.

For your health and to document the issue, consider a professional indoor environmental assessment to identify the mold species and the full extent of contamination. This provides a concrete report you can share with the landlord to substantiate the required repairs. Keep records of all communications, as you may need to file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center if the landlord is unresponsive.