Is AC mold in Dubai apartment tenant's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit, and now I’ve found a patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading on the wall behind my bedroom wardrobe. It’s been getting worse over the last few weeks, especially with the humidity. I’ve reported it to my landlord, but he says it’s from my use of the AC and that I’m responsible for the cleaning and repainting. Is a mold issue like this really the tenant's responsibility to fix, or should the building management or landlord handle it?
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The responsibility for mold remediation in a Dubai apartment depends on the source of the moisture. If the mold is a direct result of a maintenance issue with the AC unit itself or a leak in the building's structure, the landlord is typically responsible for repairs under Dubai rental law. However, if the issue is solely due to tenant behavior—like not running the AC and allowing humidity to build up—the tenant may be liable.
Your situation points to an AC leak, which is a maintenance fault. The landlord's argument that it's from your "use of the AC" is weak; ACs are essential here and designed for constant operation. The resulting water damage and mold growth are a building integrity issue. You should formally reiterate your request for repair, citing the leak as the cause. For a patch actively spreading on a wall, a professional inspection is advised to assess the extent behind the wardrobe. In many cases, simply repainting over it is insufficient and the moisture source must be fixed first. A certified mold inspector can provide a documented assessment of the cause, which is powerful evidence for your landlord. They can also determine if the species present is one of the more common types or requires specific remediation protocols. |
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