Who handles mold repair in a rented Dubai apartmnet« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility typically falls on your landlord to address mold caused by structural or maintenance issues, while you are responsible for reporting it promptly and maintaining adequate ventilation. In Dubai, tenancy laws generally hold the property owner accountable for repairs that affect the habitability and structural integrity of the unit. Since the mold is under the carpet near a wall and coincides with a damp smell from the AC, this points to a potential leak or condensation issue within the building envelope or AC system, which is the landlord's duty to rectify.

You should immediately notify your landlord and building management in writing, with clear photos. Building management is responsible for common areas and external structures, but since the mold is inside your apartment and could be linked to an internal pipe or the AC unit's condensate drain—which services your specific apartment—the repair request should start with the landlord. They, in turn, may need to coordinate with building management if the issue originates from a central AC system or a leak from another unit.

Given Dubai's high humidity, especially in coastal areas like Dubai Marina, AC units are a common source of condensation problems when drains clog or insulation fails. This creates the damp conditions mold needs to grow. Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as disturbing it can spread spores. A professional inspection can identify the moisture source—often a hidden leak or AC malfunction—which must be fixed before any remediation. Without addressing the root cause, mold will return quickly.