Is landlord responsible for black mold cleanup from AC dampness?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's climate, persistent AC use often leads to condensation, which is a primary cause of the damp walls and resulting mold growth you're seeing. This is a common issue here, especially in areas where cool air hits a warm exterior wall.

Under standard Dubai rental contracts (Ejari), the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes addressing the source of moisture, such as fixing inadequate insulation, sealing issues, or faulty AC drainage lines that are causing the dampness. The mold cleanup itself, however, can become a grey area. The landlord is responsible for remedying the defect that caused the mold, but the cleanup of the resulting mold may fall to the tenant if it's deemed due to lifestyle (e.g., not ventilating) or if the lease specifies tenant responsibilities for interior upkeep.

Given that your children are experiencing respiratory symptoms, this moves beyond a simple cleaning task. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold growth yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the damp wall and visible mold, mentioning the health concerns. Request that they investigate and repair the source of the moisture intrusion.

For a case with health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the exact mold species and the extent of the problem. A proper assessment will provide documented evidence of the cause and necessary remediation scope, which is essential for determining responsibility. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai, as a persistent damp condition that affects health can be considered a breach of the landlord's obligation to provide habitable premises.