Is landlord responsible for AC leak and black mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), your landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes the central AC system and any damage its failure causes. A persistent leak leading to mold growth falls under this obligation. You should formally notify them in writing about the AC leak and resultant mold, as it is impacting your wife's health and the property itself.

In humid climates like Dubai, a small AC leak can create a major mold problem within 48-72 hours. The black, fuzzy growth indicates an active colony, which is likely releasing spores and exacerbating allergies. Do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach, as this can agitate the spores and often fails to address the root moisture problem inside the wall.

Request that the landlord arranges for a professional inspection. A proper remediation involves fixing the AC leak first, then using containment and specialized techniques to remove the mold and dry the area completely. For verification, a company with its own microbiology lab can test the air to confirm the spore count has returned to a safe level after cleanup. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.