Who pays for AC leak and mold in my apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the structural integrity of the property, including the building's central AC system and the walls, is the landlord's responsibility. Since the leak originates from the AC unit and has caused damage to the wall, the remediation and repair costs should fall to the building owner.

Notify your landlord in writing immediately—email is best for creating a dated record. Clearly state the AC leak has caused visible black mold growth on the interior wall. Mold from chronic moisture is a health hazard and can cause structural damage, so this is not a minor maintenance issue. Under the law, they are obligated to address it within a reasonable timeframe.

Given Dubai's high humidity, what starts as a small leak often leads to widespread mold contamination inside the wall cavity that isn't visible. A professional inspection is critical to assess the full extent. The repair isn't just wiping the wall; it involves fixing the AC condensate drain line, removing and replacing any water-damaged drywall or insulation, and properly remediating the mold to prevent it from returning.

If your landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. For your health, consider temporarily moving the bed away from the affected wall until the issue is resolved, as constant exposure to mold spores can cause significant respiratory irritation.