Who is responsible for black mold testing and removal?« Back to Previous Page

Leaking AC units in Dubai apartments are a primary cause of black mould growth, as the constant condensation provides the perfect damp environment for it to thrive. The responsibility for remediation is not yours as the tenant.

Under UAE tenancy law, the property owner is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building and its core systems, including the air conditioning. Since the mould is a direct result of an AC leak—a maintenance issue you reported—the landlord is obligated to address both the source of the leak and the resulting mould damage. Their claim that it is "just dirt" is a common but often incorrect dismissal.

Black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum) is frequently identified in such scenarios here and can produce mycotoxins. While not every black mould is toxic, its presence indicates a chronic moisture problem that requires professional assessment. You should not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper scrubbing can aerosolize spores and worsen indoor air quality.

Formally request in writing that the landlord fix the AC leak and remediate the mould. For documentation, a professional inspection with lab testing can definitively identify the species, which strengthens your case. If the landlord remains uncooperative, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will typically side with the tenant when a health-affecting issue stems from a landlord's failure to perform necessary maintenance.