Who pays for AC leak mold repair in Jumeirah villa?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a bit onto the carpet for a couple of days, and now I’ve just peeled back the corner and found a bunch of black and greenish mold growing underneath. The musty smell is really strong. Who is responsible for handling and paying for this kind of repair in a rented villa in Jumeirah—is it me or my landlord?
Posted by Barbara Lewis
Asked on April 24, 2026 8:10 am
Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural parts of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system and any damage its failure causes. Since the leak originated from the AC unit, the resulting water damage and mold growth on the carpet and structure are typically the landlord's financial responsibility to repair. Your responsibility as a tenant is usually limited to reporting the issue in a timely manner, which you have done.

Document everything immediately. Take clear photos and videos of the leak source, the extensive mold growth under the carpet, and the affected area. Send a formal written notification to your landlord or property management company, outlining the issue and including this evidence. The persistent musty smell is a strong indicator of a significant microbial problem that needs professional attention.

Given Dubai's high humidity, mold beneath wet carpet can proliferate rapidly into subflooring, posing health risks and causing material damage. Do not attempt to handle this yourself. The remediation process requires specialized equipment to contain spores, remove contaminated materials like carpet and padding safely, and thoroughly dry the area to prevent recurrence. A professional inspection and lab testing of the mold are often necessary to determine the full scope and verify the cleanup is complete. Your landlord should arrange for a qualified mold remediation company to assess and rectify the situation. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 24, 2026 1:54 pm