Who is responsible for black mold on my bedroom ceiling?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for 2 years and just noticed a bunch of black spots spreading from the corner of our bedroom ceiling. It’s right under the AC vent and seems to be getting worse, especially with the humidity lately. Who is responsible for fixing this and paying for the cleanup, me or my landlord?
Posted by Bhavna Kapoor
Asked on May 6, 2026 2:45 am
Responsibility typically falls on your landlord, as this is likely a building maintenance issue. Under Dubai tenancy law, landlords are responsible for the structural integrity and weatherproofing of the property. Since the mold is spreading from a ceiling corner directly under an AC vent, the root cause is almost certainly condensation due to poor insulation or a faulty AC drain line, which are structural or mechanical faults.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company immediately with clear photographs. They are obligated to investigate and address the source of the moisture. However, the cleanup of the mold itself can become a point of contention. The landlord must fix the leak, but they may argue that surface cleaning is a tenant responsibility. For a widespread case, professional remediation is advised to prevent recurrence and ensure spores are properly contained.

Given Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use, this is a common issue. The black spots indicate an active moisture problem. Before any cleaning occurs, the leak must be stopped; otherwise, the mold will return quickly. A professional inspection can definitively identify if the AC unit's condensate drain is blocked or if there's a breach in the building's thermal envelope, which provides the evidence needed to formally request repairs from your landlord.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 11:33 am