Who pays for black mold repair in a rental apartment?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai rentals, responsibility depends on the cause. The landlord is generally responsible for repairs stemming from structural issues, like a leaking roof or pipe within the building walls. As a tenant, you are responsible for damage caused by your own negligence or failure to maintain the property, such as not using the AC properly leading to excess condensation.

Given the mold is near the AC vent and worsened with humidity, the cause is likely condensation from the AC unit or a leak in the ductwork within the ceiling void—both of which are typically the landlord's responsibility to rectify. The high humidity in Dubai accelerates this issue, as warm, moist air condenses on cold surfaces.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos showing the progression. They should arrange for a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Simply cleaning the mold is ineffective; the underlying water issue must be fixed first.

For a case this significant, a professional assessment is crucial to determine the exact cause and required remediation scope. If the landlord disputes responsibility, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai, providing your documented communication and any independent inspection reports you may have commissioned.