Is AC leak and mold removal my landlord's responsibility?« 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 its components. Since the leak originates from a wall-mounted AC unit, which is a fixed installation, its repair is typically the landlord's obligation.

You should notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including clear photos of both the leak and the mold growth. The persistent humidity here creates ideal conditions for mold to spread quickly from a moisture source like this. For a patch already visible on the wall, the underlying leak must be fixed first to prevent recurrence. A professional inspection can determine the extent of moisture damage behind the wall, which is common in such cases.

While the landlord handles the AC repair, the responsibility for remediating the mold itself can depend on the tenancy contract. However, since the mold is a direct result of a structural maintenance issue (the leaking AC), the associated remediation is generally the landlord's responsibility. Do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach, as this often fails to address the root moisture problem and can disturb toxic spores. A proper remediation involves containing the area, removing affected materials, and using specialized antimicrobial treatments to ensure it does not return.