Is mold remediation the tenant or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

This is a common and serious issue in Dubai's climate. The responsibility typically falls on the landlord to address the source of the water intrusion and the resulting mold, as it's considered a structural or maintenance defect. Your responsibility as a tenant is generally to report the issue promptly, which you have done.

The leak from the AC unit is the root cause, and under most standard Dubai rental contracts (EJARI), the landlord is obligated to maintain the property's structure and essential systems, including the central AC and its drainage. The mold growth is a direct consequence of their failure to fix that leak.

For a situation this advanced, professional remediation is strongly advised. The strong damp smell indicates active growth, and improper handling can aerosolize spores, spreading the contamination. A proper remediation involves isolating the area, removing the affected materials, and using specialized equipment like HEPA scrubbers to clean the air, not just wiping the visible spot.

Immediately document everything with clear photos and videos, noting the date. Send a formal written notification to your landlord or property management company, citing the AC leak and subsequent mold growth. Request urgent repairs to the AC drain line and professional mold remediation. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai. Given the humidity here, delaying action will only allow the problem to expand.