Who is responsible for fixing AC mold 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, which includes the central air conditioning unit and any damage its malfunction causes. Since the AC leak is the source of the moisture, the landlord is obligated to repair the unit itself and address the resulting mold damage to the wall.

The maintenance person's use of bleach is a common but ineffective approach. Bleach only removes surface discoloration on porous materials like drywall; it does not kill the root structure of the mold, which is why it returned and spread. The leak must be stopped at its source, the affected section of the wall likely needs to be cut out and replaced, and the area must be properly dried and treated to prevent recurrence.

For your health and to document the issue, you should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos of the leak and the mold regrowth. Mention that a superficial cleaning with bleach has already proven ineffective. In cases of persistent black mold, a professional indoor environmental assessment can identify the species and extent of the problem, which can strengthen your case for a proper remediation.

Given Dubai's high humidity, an unresolved leak creates a constant source of moisture that mold will exploit year-round. If the landlord continues to provide only temporary fixes, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.