Is black mold from an AC leak the tenant's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Typically, the landlord is responsible for repairs to the building's structure and fixed systems like the AC unit and its drainage. Since the leak originates from the AC, which is a landlord-provided appliance, they are generally obligated to fix the source of the water intrusion. The resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of that unrepaired leak.

Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords must provide a property in habitable condition. A significant mold issue caused by an AC fault can be considered a breach of this. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the leak and the mold, as this starts a paper trail. They should arrange for an AC technician to repair the leak and a specialized mold remediation company to assess and safely remove the growth.

Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, especially if it's porous like drywall or plaster. Disturbing it can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination. The high humidity here allows mold to regrow quickly if the moisture source isn't professionally fixed first. A proper remediation involves containing the area, removing affected materials, and HEPA vacuuming to ensure it doesn't spread to other parts of the apartment.