Is landlord responsible for AC mold in Dubai Silicon Oasis?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the structural elements and essential services of the property, which includes the fixed air conditioning system and the building envelope. Since the mold growth is a direct result of a leaking AC unit—a maintenance issue with the fixture itself—the responsibility for the remediation and repairs likely falls on your landlord.

You should formally notify them in writing immediately, detailing the AC leak and the subsequent mold growth. Include clear photographs as evidence. The persistent humidity and condensation from a leaking AC unit create an ideal environment for mold, which is exceptionally common here due to our climate. The black splotches and your wife's exacerbated allergies are strong indicators that professional assessment is needed.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aggravate spores and worsen air quality. A proper inspection can confirm the mold type and the full extent of the contamination, which may be hidden inside the wall or AC unit. The landlord should arrange for a qualified professional to fix the leak at its source, remediate the mold safely, and repair any damaged walls. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.