Who is responsible for fixing a leaking AC and mold?« Back to Previous Page

Generally, the landlord is responsible for repairing the leaking AC unit itself, as it is a fixture of the property. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes ensuring major appliances like AC units are functional. The resulting mold remediation is also typically the landlord's responsibility if the root cause is their failure to address a maintenance issue like this leak.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the leak and the visible mold growth immediately. Include clear photographs. This creates a dated record of your notification. They are obligated to arrange for the AC repair. For the mold, given its visible spread and the correlation with your child's allergy symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the extent. Surface mold from a recent leak might be a simple cleanup, but if moisture has penetrated the wall cavity, it becomes a more serious project requiring remediation. The landlord should cover the cost of this assessment and subsequent remediation since it stems from their appliance's failure.

In the interim, improve ventilation in the room as much as possible and keep the curtain pulled back from the affected wall to allow air circulation. Do not attempt to scrub the mold yourself, as this can aerosolize spores and worsen the situation. The persistent humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create an ideal environment for mold to flourish quickly from any water leak, making prompt professional intervention key.