Who pays for AC mold damage in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility for mold remediation in a rental depends on the cause, as outlined in Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007. Since the mold is on the wall and coincides with a smelly AC unit, the source is likely a combination of high humidity and a malfunctioning air conditioner, which is the landlord's responsibility to repair. The wall repair itself also falls to the landlord.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about both issues – the faulty AC and the resulting mold growth. For health and documentation, request a professional mold inspection to identify the species and confirm the AC as the moisture source. In Dubai's climate, AC units that aren't draining properly are a primary cause of indoor humidity and condensation, creating ideal conditions for mold behind furniture.

The cost of cleaning your personal belongings, such as the wardrobe and its contents, typically falls on you as the tenant, unless you can prove the landlord was aware of the AC fault for a long time and failed to act. Before renewing your contract, ensure the landlord commits in writing to fixing the AC system, remediating the mold on the structure, and addressing any hidden damage behind the wall. Do not proceed with renewal until these repairs are completed to prevent the problem from recurring.