Is landlord responsible for black mold in humid apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Tenancy law in Dubai generally places the responsibility for structural maintenance and repairs on the landlord. This includes issues arising from inherent building faults like leaking AC condensation lines, faulty external waterproofing, or inadequate ventilation that leads to persistent dampness and mold growth. Your first step is to notify the landlord or property management company in writing immediately, with clear photos of the mold and the AC drip.

The humidity in JVC, combined with a dripping AC unit creating a constant moisture source, is a classic recipe for the mold you're describing. The landlord is typically obligated to address the root cause—fixing the AC drip and remediating the mold. Repainting is their responsibility only after the moisture source is permanently resolved and the mold is professionally removed; simply painting over it will fail.

Your responsibility as a tenant is to report issues in a timely manner and to maintain reasonable ventilation. Since you've just noticed it after two years, the landlord might argue about the delay. However, the proximate cause is the AC fault and building envelope, not tenant negligence. For a case this advanced, recommend a professional inspection to identify all moisture sources and provide a documented report. This objective evidence is crucial for discussions with the landlord, as it separates the symptom (mold) from the structural cause (leak/humidity). If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.