Who is responsible for mold from AC drip in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its core systems, including the central AC unit and its drainage. Since the mold is a direct result of a malfunctioning AC that is constantly dripping, the repair responsibility for the unit itself falls to your landlord.

Your responsibility as a tenant is typically to report the issue in writing immediately and allow reasonable access for repairs. Document the issue thoroughly with clear photos and a dated written notification to the landlord or property management company. This creates a formal record of your report.

However, the situation has two parts: the source (the AC leak) and the resulting damage (the mold growth). While the landlord must fix the AC leak to stop the source of moisture, the remediation of the mold on the walls and grout may become a point of negotiation. If the mold growth occurred because the leak was not addressed in a timely manner after you reported it, the landlord's responsibility is clearer.

For an issue of this visible scale, a professional inspection is advised to assess the moisture content in the wall and the potential spread of mold behind surfaces. The constant humidity from the drip in Dubai's climate creates an ideal environment for mold to penetrate beyond surface level. Resolving the AC drip is the first step, but the affected area will likely need proper cleaning and drying to prevent recurrence and protect your belongings.