Who is responsible for black mold from AC in my apartment?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility depends on the source of the moisture. In Dubai, the most common cause for this is condensation from the AC system or a leak in the AC drain line, which is part of the building's central cooling system (chiller). The building management is typically responsible for maintaining and repairing the central AC system, including its drainage. If the mold is on an exterior wall, it could also be from a leak in the building envelope, which is also the landlord's responsibility to fix.

Your first step is to immediately notify your landlord and building management in writing, with clear photos of the mold and the damp wall. They have a legal obligation under Dubai rental laws to provide a habitable property and maintain the structure. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize the spores. A professional inspection can identify the exact moisture source—this is critical for determining liability.

For a definitive answer, a certified mold assessment is needed to confirm the moisture source. In many cases like yours, where the issue is linked to the building's AC infrastructure or external walls, the financial responsibility for both the repair of the leak and the mold remediation falls on the property owner. Keep records of all communication. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.