Mold from AC drip: landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

We've been in this Discovery Gardens studio for a year, and I just pulled our sofa bed out to find a huge patch of black fuzzy mold all over the wall behind it. The room's AC vent is right above that spot and it's always dripping condensation. Who is supposed to handle this and pay for it, me or the landlord, especially since it might be from the AC unit itself?
Posted by Agnieszka Schneider
Asked on April 16, 2026 4:05 pm
The responsibility typically falls on the landlord to repair the source of the moisture, which is the malfunctioning AC unit causing the condensation drip. As the tenant, you are generally responsible for reporting the issue in a timely manner and for any damage to your personal belongings, like the sofa.

Under typical Dubai rental contracts, structural issues and maintenance of fixed appliances (like central AC) are the landlord's obligation. Since the mold growth is a direct result of the AC unit's faulty operation, not your actions, the landlord should arrange and pay for both the AC repair and the mold remediation. Document everything with photos and formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately.

Given Dubai's high humidity, this situation requires prompt professional assessment. The AC must be repaired to stop the water intrusion, and the wall must be properly dried and treated to prevent the mold from returning. While the fuzzy growth is a clear sign of a moisture problem, only lab analysis can confirm the specific type of mold present, which is recommended if there are health concerns in the household.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 18, 2026 7:47 am