Who pays for mold removal caused by AC in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility typically falls on the property owner (landlord) to rectify the underlying cause and resulting damage. The damp smell and mold growth behind the wardrobe are classic signs of condensation due to a thermal bridge—a cold wall meeting warm, humid air. This is a building envelope or insulation issue, not a result of your AC usage pattern.

Dubai’s high humidity, especially at night, means condensation can form on cold surfaces even with intermittent AC use. While tenants are responsible for general maintenance and reporting issues promptly, the landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property free from defects that cause health hazards like mold. Their claim that you don’t run the AC enough is often used but rarely holds up, as the root cause is usually inadequate insulation or a sealing problem in the building’s structure.

Formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos of the mold and request immediate remediation. For significant growth, a professional inspection with lab testing can definitively identify the moisture source, which strengthens your case. If the landlord refuses, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC). They typically side with tenants on health and safety issues stemming from property defects. The cost for fixing the wall and proper mold removal should be borne by the landlord.