Is mold from a leaking AC the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for structural and major maintenance issues, including the repair of fixed air conditioning units and the resulting damage to the property, typically falls on the landlord. Since the leak originates from the AC unit itself, which is a fixture, your landlord is generally obligated to repair it and address the consequential mold damage to the wall.

Your responsibility as a tenant is typically to report issues in a timely manner. If you only noticed it a couple of weeks ago and reported it then, you have likely met that obligation. The rapid spread of black mold is common here due to Dubai's high humidity, which accelerates growth from a persistent water leak.

For a formal resolution, you can reference the standard Ejari rental contract and open a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai. They will make a final determination based on your contract and the evidence. Given the visible spread, this is a serious case. A professional inspection and mold test from a company with a microbiology lab can document the extent and type of mold, which serves as strong, verifiable evidence for any dispute and is crucial for planning the correct, health-focused remediation.