Is building owner responsible for black mold on ceiling?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility typically depends on the source of the moisture. In Dubai apartments, ceiling mold often stems from a leak in the building's external envelope or from the air conditioning system, both of which are usually the building owner's responsibility to rectify. The recent heavy dew points to a possible condensation issue, which is common with our high humidity and year-round AC use.

You should formally notify your building owner or property management company immediately. Provide clear photos and a written description. Under typical Dubai tenancy contracts, the landlord is responsible for structural repairs and maintaining the property's habitability, which includes addressing water intrusion that leads to mold growth.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself. Disturbing the mold can release a large number of spores, worsening air quality and potentially spreading the contamination. A professional inspection is needed to identify the exact moisture source—whether it's a roof leak, pipe condensation, or poor insulation—and to safely remediate the mold. The underlying water issue must be fixed first, or the mold will return.

If the owner is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC), as persistent mold from a structural issue can be considered a breach of the landlord's obligations.