Is landlord responsible for AC leak mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC unit in our bedroom in Jumeirah Lakes Towers has been leaking a bit of water onto the carpet for over a month now. The landlord's maintenance guy came and just dried the carpet, but now there’s a small patch of black mold growing on the baseboard and the room constantly smells damp. Is this something I need to fix myself, or is the property management legally required to handle the mold remediation?
Posted by Samantha Martinez
Asked on March 31, 2026 12:51 pm
Based on UAE Civil Code and Dubai's rental regulations, the landlord is generally responsible for the structural integrity of the property and its major systems, including the AC unit and its associated drainage. A persistent AC leak that leads to mold is a maintenance issue that falls under their obligation to provide a habitable dwelling.

The key factor is the source. If the leak is due to a lack of maintenance on the AC unit itself, a clogged drain line, or faulty installation, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the repair and the resulting damage. Simply drying the carpet, as was done in your case, is completely insufficient and a known cause of mold growth. The water source MUST be stopped first, then all affected materials (carpet, padding, baseboard) must be professionally assessed, dried, and remediated to prevent health risks and further property damage.

For a situation lasting over a month with visible mold and a musty odor, this is a serious case. I strongly recommend you formally notify the property management in writing, detailing the issue and the failed previous repair attempt. Request immediate professional mold inspection and remediation. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC).

Do not attempt to fix this yourself. Disturbing mold without proper containment can spread spores throughout your apartment. For an accurate assessment and a report you can present to your landlord, get a professional inspection.

Call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for a certified assessment. We can identify the exact moisture source, document the mold growth, and provide a remediation protocol that you can forward to the property management, ensuring it's done correctly this time.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 2:29 pm