Is landlord responsible for mold from unreported AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, which includes the central air conditioning system and its components. Since you reported the AC leak weeks ago and the landlord's agent failed to address it, the resulting mold damage is almost certainly the landlord's financial responsibility.

The key is your prior notification. Mold growth is a direct consequence of the unrepaired moisture intrusion. You should immediately send a formal written notice—email is best for documentation—to the agent and landlord, stating the leak has now caused visible mold growth on the wall. Include clear photographs of both the leak source and the mold patch. This creates a necessary paper trail.

For a situation like this, a professional inspection is advised to document the cause and extent. Mold behind furniture can often be more widespread than it initially appears. In Dubai's high humidity, hidden condensation can feed growth inside wall cavities. A verified inspection report can be crucial for dealing with the landlord.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this will only remove surface discoloration and not the root problem. The leak must be fixed first, then the affected wall area properly remediated, and finally repainted. The landlord is obligated to cover all these costs due to their inaction on the initial repair request. If they remain unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.