AC mold in Dubai apartment: landlord or management responsible?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our apartment in Jumeirah seems to be constantly leaking, and now I’ve spotted black patches of mold on the wall behind the kids’ bed. My youngest has had a persistent cough for the last two weeks, and I’m starting to panic. Is this a common issue here in Dubai, and who is responsible for fixing it and the damage, the landlord or the building management?
Posted by Nancy Wilson
Asked on April 28, 2026 10:40 am
This is an extremely common issue in Dubai due to the year-round AC operation creating constant condensation. The black patches are a clear sign of a chronic moisture problem from the leak.

Responsibility typically falls on the landlord to repair the AC unit itself and any resulting damage to the apartment, such as the mold on the wall. This is stipulated in Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), which holds the property owner accountable for major maintenance and structural issues. However, if the leak originates from the central cooling system (chilled water) or a fault in the building's central pipework, then the building management may be responsible for the fix up to the boundary of your apartment.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord and building management in writing, with photos, about the leak and mold. For a child's persistent cough, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the mold species and extent. A certified mold assessor can pinpoint the moisture source and provide a documented report, which is invaluable for holding the responsible party accountable for proper remediation, not just a superficial clean.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 30, 2026 6:44 am