Is landlord responsible for bedroom mold above AC vent?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from the corner of our bedroom ceiling, right above the AC vent. It’s gotten worse since the humidity spiked last month, and my husband has been waking up with a stuffy nose and headaches. Is this something I need to fix myself, or is the landlord responsible for addressing the mold and any potential health issues?
Posted by Linda Harris
Asked on May 20, 2026 8:25 am
Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes addressing leaks in the building envelope or faulty AC systems that cause condensation. The mold above your AC vent strongly suggests a condensation issue, likely from a poorly insulated duct or a clogged drain line within the building's structure.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos, as they are obligated to investigate and fix the source of the moisture. Do not simply paint over it, as the mold will return without addressing the root cause. For health concerns, document your husband's symptoms and consider a professional indoor environmental assessment to identify the mold species and spore concentration; this data can be crucial if the landlord is unresponsive.

Given Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use, this is a common issue. While waiting for the landlord, you can help reduce humidity by running exhaust fans and ensuring the AC unit is set to a sufficiently cool temperature to minimize condensation. If the landlord refuses to act, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Settlement Center.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 21, 2026 5:42 am