Who is responsible for mold from neighbor's AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility for mold from a neighbor's AC leak typically falls on the property owner (landlord) to repair, as it is a structural issue. Your tenancy contract is the primary document governing this, but Dubai's rental law generally places the obligation for major maintenance and repairs on the landlord, especially for issues originating from another unit.

You should immediately notify your landlord and building management in writing, including clear photos. The source—your neighbor's leaking AC unit—must be addressed first; no amount of cleaning in your apartment will stop the mold if the water intrusion continues. Building management will usually coordinate with your upstairs neighbor and their landlord to fix the leak.

Given the Dubai climate, where high humidity and constant AC use can cause condensation issues, this is a common problem. The black speckled pattern spreading from a ceiling corner is a classic sign of chronic moisture from above. For extensive growth, a professional inspection can identify the exact mold species and the full extent of the damage, which is often hidden inside the ceiling. This documentation is also useful for ensuring the remediation is handled correctly. The landlord is typically responsible for funding both the leak repair and the subsequent mold remediation in your apartment.