Who handles black mold near AC vent: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the main structure of the building, including the exterior walls and ceiling from which this mold is spreading. Since the issue is near the AC vent and on the ceiling, it strongly suggests a underlying cause like a leak in the building's plumbing or a breach in the building envelope that allows condensation or water ingress, which are structural issues.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos, and request immediate remediation. The humidity spike is a known catalyst, but the root cause is likely pre-existing. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as this is a sign of a larger problem and improper cleaning can aerosolize spores.

A professional inspection is critical here to determine the moisture source. It could be a clogged AC drain line causing overflow inside the wall, condensation from poorly insulated ducts, or a leak from the apartment above. The inspection will provide documented evidence of the cause, which is essential for clearly establishing landlord responsibility. In many cases, resolving the mold requires not just cleaning but also repairing the leak and potentially replacing water-damaged drywall or insulation to prevent it from returning.