Who pays for black mold removal from AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

The leaking AC unit is the landlord's responsibility to repair under Dubai's rental law. The resulting black mold is a direct consequence of that unrepaired leak, not tenant negligence. Your landlord's claim about improper ventilation is likely incorrect; in Dubai's climate, year-round AC use is standard and a properly functioning unit should not cause this issue.

Legally, the party responsible for the cause (the leak) is responsible for the resulting damage (the mold). You should formally notify your landlord in writing, requesting immediate repair of the AC leak to stop the moisture source. For the existing mold, a professional inspection is critical to determine the extent, as it can spread inside wall cavities. The removal process itself is specialized—simply wiping it spreads spores and is ineffective.

If the landlord refuses, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. Document everything with photos and dates. For a situation this advanced, involving hidden growth behind a wardrobe, a certified mold assessment with lab analysis of the spores is the most definitive way to establish the cause and scope, which strengthens your case with the landlord or the RDC.