Is fixing AC leak and mold my responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Under UAE law, particularly Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the responsibility for major maintenance and structural repairs falls on the landlord. This includes fixing the root cause of the AC leak, which is a building system issue. The resulting water damage and mold growth stemming from that leak are also the landlord's responsibility to remediate.

For a situation like yours in JVC, where the leak has persisted for weeks and a large mold patch is visible, the landlord must arrange for a professional to fix the AC unit's drain line or condensate pump and then properly address the mold. The high humidity in Dubai provides ideal conditions for mold to spread rapidly into drywall and carpet padding, so this needs prompt, professional attention. Merely cleaning the surface is insufficient.

Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to reporting the issue in a timely manner and allowing access for repairs. Document your communication with the landlord with dated emails or messages. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your health and to prevent further property damage, consider a professional inspection to document the extent of the microbial growth; this report can serve as evidence if a dispute arises.