Who is responsible for bedroom mold: tenant or building management?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility typically depends on the source of the moisture. If the black mold is growing due to a structural issue like a leak in the building's external envelope or a faulty common AC duct, the building management is usually responsible for repairs. However, if the moisture source is from inside the apartment—like condensation from your own AC unit, steam from showers, or indoor drying of clothes—the tenant is often responsible for the cleanup.

Given its location near the AC vent, this is likely due to condensation from the cold air meeting the warm, humid room air—a very common issue here. The tenant is generally expected to address this through cleaning and improving ventilation. Start by notifying your building management in writing with photos; they should inspect to rule out a leak from another unit or the structure itself. They are obligated to fix leaks originating from common property.

For a patch spreading from the ceiling, a professional inspection is wise to confirm the type of mold and the exact moisture source. In many cases, the remediation itself is a tenant cost, but management must repair the underlying defect if it's their responsibility. To prevent recurrence, ensure your AC is set to a consistently cool temperature to reduce condensation and consider using a dehumidifier, especially during the humid summer months. Proper identification of the mold species through lab testing can clarify the health risk and guide the necessary remediation steps.