Who is responsible for black mold near AC in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing leaks in the building envelope, roof, or plumbing that cause water intrusion. Since the mold is spreading from the ceiling corner near the AC unit, the root cause is likely a leak from the AC condensation line or a breach in the building's external seal—both structural issues the landlord must address.

As a tenant, your responsibility is to report the issue to the landlord or property management immediately in writing. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. Document the mold's spread with dated photos, especially noting its correlation with high humidity, as this evidence is crucial.

The Dubai climate, with its high humidity and constant AC use, creates perfect conditions for such growth when a moisture source is present. A professional inspection is needed to identify the exact moisture source—be it a blocked drain pan, cracked condensate pipe, or infiltration from outside. The remediation itself should be handled by a certified company to ensure it's done safely and effectively, preventing recurrence. Your landlord should coordinate this. If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC).