Who is responsible for black mold from AC: landlord or me?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the main structure of the property and its core systems, including the central air conditioning. Since the black mold is growing on the wall and is linked to the AC unit, this typically falls under structural maintenance, making it the landlord's responsibility to investigate and repair the source.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the mold and a description of the damp smell from the AC. They are obligated to address issues that affect the habitability of the property. The persistent high humidity and condensation from AC units in Dubai's climate create a perfect environment for this type of growth, especially if there's a drainage issue with the AC unit or insufficient insulation in the wall.

For a case this advanced, with visible growth and a systemic odor, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to identify the moisture source—whether it's a leaking AC drain line, a crack in the wall, or excessive condensation. This provides documented evidence of the cause, which is crucial for discussions with your landlord. While surface cleaning can temporarily remove the spots, it will return unless the underlying moisture problem is fixed.