Is black mold from AC landlord's responsibility to fix?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the landlord is responsible for fixing the source of the moisture and the resulting mold. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property's structure and key systems, including the AC and building envelope, to ensure it is habitable. The black spots on the wall are a structural issue caused by a persistent moisture source, which is their obligation to rectify.

The smell from the AC and mold on the wall are connected. In Dubai's climate, this is often due to a clogged AC drain line causing overflow, a leaking chilled water pipe from the AC system, or condensation buildup within the wall cavity. This constant dampness, combined with our high humidity, creates an ideal environment for mold.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Include clear photographs of the mold and the AC unit. They should arrange for a professional to identify and repair the moisture source—simply cleaning the visible mold is ineffective if the water issue remains. For a case of this severity, with hidden growth behind furniture, a proper inspection is needed to assess the full extent. Once the leak is fixed, remediation by a certified professional is required to safely remove the contaminated materials and spores.