Is mold in my rental apartment my responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai rentals, responsibility depends on whether the mold is due to your lifestyle or a building defect. As a tenant, you are generally responsible for routine cleaning and maintaining good ventilation to prevent condensation. However, the black mold you describe behind a wardrobe on a wall, coupled with a malfunctioning AC unit making unusual noises, strongly suggests an underlying moisture issue like a hidden leak or poor insulation—which is the landlord's responsibility to repair.

Under the standard Dubai rental contract (EJARI), landlords must provide a property that is habitable and maintain the structure, including plumbing and AC systems. A persistent humidity problem that leads to structural mold often falls under their purview. The recent high humidity can exacerbate the issue, but it doesn't create a leak on its own.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing it can release spores. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or building management in writing (email is best), include photos, and describe the AC unit's gurgling noise. This documents the request. They are typically obligated to investigate and fix the source of the moisture.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is advised to identify the exact moisture source and mold type. This provides concrete evidence for your landlord. If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. Resolving the root cause, like repairing the AC drain line or a leaky pipe, is essential; otherwise, the mold will simply return after cleaning.