Who handles black mold from AC leak in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure and essential services of the property, which includes the air conditioning system and any resultant structural damage from its failure. Since the mold growth is a direct result of an AC leak, the responsibility for proper remediation falls on your landlord.

Notify your landlord in writing immediately, including clear photos of the mold and the leak source. This creates a formal record. Given Dubai's high humidity, mold can spread quickly into building materials, so prompt action is critical. Do not attempt to remove it yourself with bleach, as this will not address the root moisture issue and can disturb toxic spores.

The proper remediation process requires a professional inspection to assess the extent. The AC leak must be repaired first to stop the moisture source. The affected carpet and underlay will likely need to be removed and discarded. The concrete must then be professionally cleaned and treated to kill the mold roots. In many cases, a containment barrier is needed to prevent spores from spreading to other areas during the work.

Before your lease renewal, ensure this is fully resolved. A reputable remediation company can provide a clearance certificate from a third-party lab, which is strong documentation for your records and confirms the environment is safe. This is a common and verifiable standard for handling such issues.