Is landlord responsible for AC mold in rented apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Under the Dubai Tenancy Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), a landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural parts of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system if it is a fixed installation. The mold on the wall is a direct symptom of the malfunctioning AC unit creating excess moisture and humidity. You should formally notify your landlord in writing about both issues—the faulty AC and the resulting mold growth—as this constitutes a failure to provide a habitable property.

Given Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use, this is a common issue. The condensation from a poorly draining or leaking AC unit creates the perfect damp environment for mold to thrive, especially behind furniture. For your family's health, the source of the moisture must be fixed first; simply wiping the visible mold away is a temporary solution.

You can request the landlord arranges for an AC technician to repair the unit and a professional mold inspection to assess the extent. For a case like this, an inspection that includes moisture mapping and surface sampling can identify the species and confirm the spread. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. In the interim, improve ventilation in the room and keep the wardrobe slightly away from the wall to allow air circulation.