Should I report my AC leak and mold to my landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Report the AC leak and mold to your landlord immediately. Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's core structure and essential services, which includes the central AC system and any damage its malfunction causes. You are responsible for informing them of the issue, which you are now doing.

The black spots spreading on the wall indicate a persistent moisture issue. In Dubai's climate, this constant dampness from an AC leak creates an ideal environment for mold growth within 24-48 hours. Your husband's morning congestion is a common reaction to mold exposure, as spores become airborne and are inhaled during sleep.

While you didn't report the initial leak, the resulting mold infestation is a direct consequence of the faulty AC unit, which is the landlord's responsibility to repair. However, delays can sometimes complicate liability for the cosmetic repairs. For this reason, a professional inspection is critical. It will document the source (the AC leak) and the extent of the microbial growth, which is often more widespread behind walls. This documentation protects you and clarifies the scope of work for the landlord.

Request that the landlord sends a certified HVAC technician to fix the leak at its source. For the mold, recommend an assessment by an indoor health specialist who can provide a lab-based identification of the mold type. This is important for determining the appropriate remediation protocol, as simply wiping the visible spots is insufficient and can aerosolize spores. The landlord is typically responsible for funding the remediation of the damage caused by their faulty appliance.