Black mold from AC in rental: landlord's responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

This is a serious situation that requires immediate attention. The damp wall and visible black mold indicate a significant condensation or leak issue from the AC unit itself. In Dubai's rental market, the responsibility for repairs falls on the landlord if the issue is structural or related to the fixed installation of the AC system. Since the mold growth is a direct result of the AC unit's operation causing moisture accumulation, this is almost certainly the landlord's obligation to rectify.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including clear photographs of the mold and the damp wall. Under typical Dubai rental laws, they are responsible for maintaining the property's structure and fixed appliances. The health risk depends on the mold species, but any extensive growth like this can cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and worsen asthma. Given the UAE's high humidity, this problem will only escalate without proper repair.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. The mold is likely growing inside the wall cavity due to the moisture. A professional inspection is needed to identify the root cause—often a clogged condensate drain line or poor insulation—and to safely remediate the hidden growth. The AC unit will also require a deep clean by a specialized HVAC technician to prevent recurrence. Your priority is to stop using that AC unit, document everything for the landlord, and request they engage a certified mold remediation company to assess and fix the underlying moisture problem.