Who pays for black mold inspection in a rental villa?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes the AC system and any resultant damage from its failure. Since the leak originates from the AC unit and is causing damage to the wall, this is a maintenance issue for the property owner to address and fund.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including photos of the leak and the black patch. The persistent cough in a household member, coupled with visible growth from a water leak, warrants a professional inspection. In Dubai's humid climate, AC condensation leaks are a primary cause of indoor mold, and what's visible is often just a fraction of the growth inside the wall.

The cost of a basic inspection to identify the moisture source and extent is typically the landlord's responsibility as it pertains to property maintenance. For a definitive identification of the mold type, a lab analysis may be recommended, and the responsibility for this cost can be negotiated; it is often covered by the party requesting the specific test. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as disturbing active growth can aerosolize spores. Your priority is to have the AC leak repaired to stop the moisture source, which is the landlord's obligation.