Is black mold in my Dubai rental the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, in most Dubai rental cases, the landlord is legally responsible for fixing the AC leak and the resulting mold remediation. Your tenancy contract is the primary reference, but Dubai's rental law generally places the obligation for major maintenance and structural repairs on the property owner.

The AC unit itself and the internal ductwork are typically considered part of the property's core systems, making their repair the landlord's duty. Since the mold growth is a direct result of that leaking AC, the remediation should also be their responsibility. You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately. Include clear photographs of the leak and the mold patch. This creates a dated record of your notification.

Given Dubai's high humidity and the potential for mold to spread behind walls, a professional assessment is advisable to determine the full extent. For a patch that's been present for months, surface cleaning is often insufficient, as the root cause is moisture penetration. A proper fix requires stopping the leak, thoroughly drying the area, and then remediating the mold to prevent spores from becoming airborne and affecting your allergies.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai. However, promptly addressing moisture issues is critical here to prevent further damage and potential health impacts.