Who pays for mold removal near AC vent: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, responsibility for mold removal typically falls on the landlord, as they are obligated to provide a habitable property under Law No. 26 of 2007, which governs the relationship between landlords and tenants. Structural issues, like a leaking roof or faulty AC condensation drainage that causes ceiling mold, are their responsibility to rectify. However, if the mold growth is determined to be a direct result of tenant negligence—such as a failure to run the AC regularly in this humid climate or blocking ventilation—the cost of remediation could be argued as the tenant's responsibility.

Given its location spreading from the AC vent, this is likely due to condensation from the AC unit or a leak in the ductwork, which is a building systems issue. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos, and request a professional inspection. Do not attempt to remove it yourself, as disturbing it can release spores. A proper inspection will identify the moisture source—often a blocked condensate drain line or insufficient insulation—which must be fixed to prevent recurrence. Remediation involves containing the area, safe removal of affected materials, and HEPA vacuuming.

For verification, a company with its own microbiology lab can test to identify the mold type and provide a documented remediation protocol, which is useful for discussions with the landlord. In most cases in JVC and similar communities, the landlord arranges and pays for the fix.