Is my landlord liable for mold from AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, your landlord is generally responsible for repairing the AC unit and the structural damage to the wall, as the leak is the source of the problem. Under the Dubai Rental Law, landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes ensuring all major systems like air conditioning are fully functional. The persistent humidity from a leak, especially in our climate, inevitably leads to mold growth.

The dispute over delayed reporting is common. Your responsibility is to report issues in a timely manner, which you did by informing building maintenance. For a leak lasting "a couple of months," it would be reasonable for the landlord to argue you should have escalated the report sooner if maintenance was unresponsive. However, the primary liability for the root cause—the faulty AC—remains with the landlord.

For the mold on your belongings, liability is less clear-cut and often depends on your tenancy contract and the specific circumstances. Document everything: take clear photos/videos of the leak, the mold growth on the wall and clothes, and all communications with maintenance and the landlord. This evidence is crucial.

Given the extent of the "huge patch," professional inspection and remediation are strongly advised. In JLT's high-humidity environment, improper cleanup can allow mold to regrow inside the wall cavity. A certified assessment provides a definitive report on the cause and required fixes, which can be used to formally resolve the dispute with your landlord.