Who is responsible for AC mold and repainting in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for all major maintenance related to the structure and essential services of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system and the building's exterior walls. Since the leak originates from the AC unit, the responsibility for repairing it and the resulting damage to the wall falls on your landlord.

You should notify your landlord in writing immediately, as prolonged leaks can lead to structural issues. The strong smell and visible black spots indicate a significant mold issue that requires professional remediation, not just repainting. Simply painting over it will not solve the underlying moisture problem, and the mold will return. A proper fix involves stopping the leak, a professional assessment to ensure the mold hasn't spread inside the wall cavity, safe remediation, and then repainting.

For your deposit, document everything with dated photos and keep copies of all communication with the landlord. You cannot be held financially responsible for damage caused by a faulty appliance the landlord is obligated to maintain, provided you reported it in a timely manner. Given Dubai's high humidity, AC condensation leaks are a common trigger for such mold growth, and a prompt, proper repair is essential.