Is landlord responsible for ceiling mold above AC vent?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for addressing structural issues and problems with fixed installations like AC systems that lead to mold growth. Since the mold is spreading from the AC vent, this strongly suggests a condensation or drainage issue within the AC unit itself, which is the landlord's responsibility to repair.

Notify your landlord or property management company immediately in writing, including clear photos of the mold and its location. This creates a formal record of the issue. They should arrange for a professional to inspect the AC system for a clogged drain line or insufficient insulation causing condensation, which is the root cause. Simply cleaning the visible mold without fixing the AC problem will result in it returning quickly, especially with Dubai's high humidity.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aggravate spores and only addresses surface discoloration, not the actual fungal growth or the moisture source. For a patch that is actively spreading, a professional inspection is advised to assess the extent and properly remediate it. The remediation process for the ceiling will also be the landlord's responsibility once the AC fault is confirmed. Your obligation as a tenant is to report the issue promptly and allow access for repairs.