Is landlord responsible for mold from AC in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the specific conditions you've described in Al Barsha, the landlord is almost certainly legally responsible for the remediation of mold originating from the AC system. The damp, earthy smell from the vent is a classic indicator of microbial growth within the AC ductwork or the evaporator coil, a system entirely under the landlord's purview for maintenance.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are obligated to provide a habitable property and are responsible for all major maintenance related to the structure and core systems of the building, which includes the central air conditioning system. Your responsibility as a tenant is generally limited to day-to-day upkeep and reporting issues promptly, which you have done. The landlord's claim about inadequate ventilation is likely invalid, as running the AC constantly in Dubai's humid climate is standard practice and, if anything, should help control humidity. The issue is a failure of the AC system itself to manage condensation effectively, leading to moisture accumulation.

The black mold under the carpet near the wall strongly suggests the problem is systemic, potentially from a clogged condensate drain line causing an overflow, insufficient insulation leading to condensation on cold surfaces (a common issue in Dubai's climate), or a leak from the AC system itself. This requires professional diagnosis.

For a definitive determination of liability and a solution, you must insist on a professional mold inspection. Our certified technicians at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including air and surface sampling, thermal imaging to identify moisture sources, and a full inspection of the AC unit and ductwork. This provides an official report that clearly identifies the cause, which is crucial for any discussions with your landlord.

Do not attempt to handle significant mold growth yourself. For immediate professional intervention and to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.