What are landlord's responsibilities for black mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Landlords in Dubai are responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential systems, including air conditioning, which is the primary source of mold issues. The Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) mandates that landlords must address any defects that prevent the tenant from benefiting from the property. Since mold growth caused by a leaking AC unit, faulty insulation, or water infiltration from outside is a structural or maintenance defect, the landlord is typically obligated to rectify it.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, about the mold growth. Be specific about its location near the AC vent. This creates a necessary paper trail. They should arrange for a professional inspection to diagnose the source. The high humidity here means AC condensation drain lines often clog or units are undersized, leading to excess moisture—this is a maintenance issue they must fix.

While awaiting their response, reduce humidity in the bedroom by running the AC consistently and ensuring the vent isn't obstructed. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach, as this can spread spores and only bleaches the color without addressing the root colony.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For a case to be strong, evidence from a certified inspection report is highly recommended to prove the mold is due to a building fault and not tenant-related activities. A proper assessment involves moisture mapping and often air or surface sampling to identify the mold type, which clarifies the health risk and remediation scope.