Who is responsible for mold inspection and remediation, landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and major systems of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system and its ductwork. Since mold originating from the AC unit is a building system issue, the responsibility for its inspection and remediation typically falls on the landlord or building management.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including clear photographs of the black speckles around the vent. Mention the damp smell and the health symptoms you've observed. They are obligated to address problems that affect the habitability of the unit. For a case with visible growth and health symptoms, a professional inspection with air and surface sampling is strongly recommended to identify the species and concentration. This provides concrete evidence for the landlord.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining general cleanliness and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, but the scenario you describe points to a systemic AC issue common in Dubai's humid climate where condensation inside units creates a perfect environment for mold. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can spread spores throughout your apartment.