Is mold cleanup a landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility for mold cleanup depends on the source of the problem. The landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the structure of the property, including fixing a leaking AC unit that is causing condensation and moisture intrusion. The tenant is generally responsible for addressing mold resulting from their own negligence, like failing to use the AC properly to control humidity.

Given your description, the root cause appears to be the leaking AC, which is a maintenance issue for the landlord. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about both the AC leak and the resulting mold growth. Under typical tenancy contracts, they are obligated to repair the AC to prevent further damage. The subsequent mold remediation should also be their responsibility, as it is a direct consequence of their equipment failure.

Due to Dubai's high humidity, mold can spread quickly into wall cavities from a persistent leak. A professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent of the damage behind the wall, as surface cleaning alone is insufficient if the moisture source isn't fixed. For your health, especially with existing allergies, avoid disturbing the mold yourself. Document the issue with photos and dates for your records. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference the rental law and escalate the matter through the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center.