Who is responsible for AC mold cleaing in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been making us all cough for a couple of months, and I finally pulled the vent cover off to find a patch of black mold growing inside the duct. Our landlord is saying it's a maintenance issue for the building, but the building management says it's the landlord's responsibility as it's inside the unit. Who is legally responsible for getting this cleaned and paid for in Dubai?
Posted by Robert Wilson
Asked on May 4, 2026 2:55 pm
Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the core systems of the property, including the AC unit and its internal ducts, as these are considered part of the structure. The building management is generally responsible for the central chiller plant and the main distribution lines up to the boundary of your individual unit.

Your situation—black mold inside the ductwork of your apartment's AC—is a recognized health hazard and falls under the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable property. The persistent cough you describe is a common symptom of exposure to mold spores. In Dubai's climate, where AC runs year-round and high humidity promotes condensation, this is a frequent issue that landlords must address.

Formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best), describing the visible mold and health symptoms, and request immediate remediation. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your health and to have documented evidence, a professional mold inspection with lab testing can identify the species and concentration, which strengthens your case with the landlord or the RDC.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 6, 2026 2:27 am