Black ceiling mold near AC: landlord or tenant responsible?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility typically falls on the landlord for structural repairs, including those caused by a building defect like a leaking roof or faulty AC condensation drain line. In Dubai's climate, this is a common source of the problem. The tenant is usually responsible for damage resulting from negligence, like failing to run the AC, which leads to excessive humidity and condensation.

Your first step is to notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, with photos showing the proximity to the AC vent. Under Dubai tenancy law, the landlord is obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. Since the mold is spreading and near a potential mechanical source, a professional inspection is advised to identify the root cause—be it a clogged drain pan, insufficient insulation causing condensation, or an external leak.

For a definitive answer on responsibility, the inspection report is key. If the cause is a faulty AC unit or building envelope issue, the landlord should cover the mold remediation and repair. If the report finds the cause was tenant negligence (e.g., AC turned off for long periods, blocking vents), you would likely be liable. Until resolved, keep the area well-ventilated and wipe down condensation to prevent further spread.