Is mold from AC landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the main structure of the property, including the AC system and the walls, as per standard tenancy contracts and the Dubai Rental Law. The persistent damp smell and mold growth on the wall strongly indicate a failure in the building envelope or the AC unit itself—issues that are not caused by typical tenant wear and tear.

The problem is likely a leak in the AC drain line or condensation forming due to poor insulation, both common in our humid climate where AC runs year-round. This moisture then seeps into the wall, creating the perfect environment for mold. Since you've been there three years without issue, this points to a developing mechanical or structural problem.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best), describing the issue and including clear photos of the black spots and the wall's location. Request a professional inspection to identify the moisture source. Simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the underlying water issue isn't fixed; it will return.

For a case like this, a proper inspection involves using a moisture meter to detect dampness inside the wall and a borescope to look inside the AC unit and ductwork. This identifies the exact point of failure. The landlord should arrange and pay for both the diagnostic and the remediation, which includes fixing the leak or insulation flaw, replacing any water-damaged drywall, and professionally treating the affected area to remove the mold colony.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference your rights under the tenancy contract and escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. Document all your communications. For your health, address this promptly, as the damp smell suggests active microbial growth, which can aggravate allergies and respiratory conditions.