Who is responsible for fixing recurring ceiling mold?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is almost certainly responsible for fixing the source of this recurring mold. Under UAE tenancy law, the property owner is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the building, which includes addressing leaks and water ingress from common areas or the exterior.

Your observation about the heavy rains in March is key. A sudden onset after a major weather event strongly suggests a new breach in the building envelope—likely a roof or balcony leak that is allowing moisture to seep into your ceiling slab. This is a construction or maintenance issue, not a result of your AC usage. While running an AC very cold can cause condensation on surfaces if the unit is undersized or faulty, it does not cause moisture to recurrently seep through a concrete ceiling from the other side.

The first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best), including photos of the mold and a clear statement that it began after the March rains and is recurring. Politely insist they investigate the source of the water intrusion from the building's exterior or common areas. The building management may also need to be involved if the leak originates from a common roof or facade.

Simply wiping the mold is ineffective and a health risk, as it disperses spores. The leak must be stopped first. Once the moisture source is repaired, the mold can be properly remediated. For a recurring patch of this size, a professional inspection is advised to confirm the exact moisture source and extent. They use moisture meters and thermal cameras to pinpoint the problem, which provides the evidence needed to get the landlord to act.