Am I or landlord responsible for mold from reported AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom closet has been leaking a little for a couple of months, and now I’ve found a huge patch of black mold spreading on the back wall and my stored winter clothes. I’ve told my landlord’s maintenance guy twice about the leak, but they only ever do a quick fix that doesn’t last. With this humidity, it’s getting worse every day. Am I responsible for paying the mold remediation costs, or is it my landlord's obligation since the AC issue was reported?
Posted by Maria Bakker
Asked on April 12, 2026 10:40 am
Your landlord is almost certainly responsible for the cost of mold remediation in this scenario. Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), the landlord is obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing structural issues and repairing essential systems like air conditioning.

Since you have reported the persistent AC leak twice, you have a documented record of notifying them of the issue that led to the mold growth. The landlord's failure to perform a permanent repair directly caused the problem. This is a clear case of neglect on their part to uphold their legal duty of maintenance.

For immediate action, send a formal written communication (email is best for a paper trail) to your landlord or property manager, reiterating the history of the leak and including clear photos of the extensive mold growth. State that the damp conditions and biological growth are impacting your health and the property's integrity. This formal notice strengthens your position.

Given Dubai's high humidity, mold can spread rapidly through spores, contaminating the air and your belongings. Do not attempt to clean a large patch yourself, as improper methods aerosolize spores. A professional inspection is critical to assess the full extent of the damage behind walls and to provide a certified report, which can be used to formally request remediation from your landlord. The goal is to identify the moisture source, contain the affected area, and properly remove the contamination.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 12, 2026 7:16 pm