Mold from AC leak: tenant or landlord responsible for repair?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), structural repairs and maintenance of the property, including issues with the building's fixed air conditioning system and the resulting water damage to walls, are typically the landlord's responsibility. This is because the AC is considered a fundamental part of the property's habitability, especially here.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the leak and the mold growth. Do this immediately, before your lease renewal. This creates a documented record of the issue. The landlord is generally obligated to fix the leak at its source, repair any damaged walls, and address the mold contamination caused by their property's faulty system.

However, the situation can become complicated. If the leak was caused by a lack of maintenance, like a clogged drain line that you as the tenant were responsible for maintaining per your contract, liability could be questioned. Also, if the mold spread due to a delay in reporting the initial leak, some costs might be disputed.

Given the visible black mold, this is beyond a simple wipe-down. The leak must be stopped first. Then, the affected wall area needs proper assessment; the fuzzy growth suggests it may have penetrated the drywall or plaster. A professional inspection is wise to determine the extent and recommend the correct remediation protocol, as improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. In JVC's high humidity, hidden condensation points are common, so a thorough check is recommended. For your health and to clarify responsibility, getting a professional diagnosis from a company with a microbiology lab can provide an unbiased report on the cause and severity, which is useful for discussions with your landlord.