Landlord or tenant responsible for AC mold in rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for repairs to the main structure and essential services of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system and its ductwork. Since the mold is on the ceiling vent—part of the fixed AC system—this is likely their responsibility to rectify.

The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, including clear photos of the black mold growth. They are obligated to address issues that affect the habitability of the property. The damp smell you've noticed for months is a key indicator of an underlying moisture problem within the AC unit or ducts, which requires professional diagnosis.

In Dubai's climate, this is a common issue. Year-round AC use creates significant condensation, and high humidity provides the perfect environment for mold to thrive inside units that aren't properly maintained or have developed leaks. Simply wiping the visible mold off the vent won't solve the problem; the internal contamination and moisture source must be identified.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent of the mold inside the system and to identify the cause, such as a blocked condensate drain line or a leaking internal drip pan. This provides documented evidence of the issue for the landlord. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. However, if the mold growth was caused by tenant negligence, such as consistently setting the AC at a very high temperature that causes excessive condensation or failing to report a known issue promptly, the cost responsibility could shift. Given the duration and location, this appears to be a maintenance issue.