Is my landlord responsible for AC mold health hazard?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a bit for a couple of months, and now I’m seeing black spots spreading on the wall behind the curtain. My toddler has had a runny nose and a cough that just won’t go away, and I'm starting to worry it's connected. Since I'm renting a villa in Jumeirah, who is responsible for dealing with this potential health hazard—me as the tenant or my landlord?
Posted by Lauren Walker
Asked on May 16, 2026 11:15 pm
Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its core systems, which includes the air conditioning and any damage caused by its malfunction. Since the AC leak is the source of the moisture leading to the mold growth, this is almost certainly the landlord's responsibility to rectify.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including clear photos of the leak, the black mold growth on the wall, and a description of your toddler's persistent symptoms. The high humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create ideal conditions for mold, and a long-standing leak requires professional remediation, not just a simple wipe-down. For a case with visible spread and health symptoms, a professional inspection is advised to assess the extent behind the walls.

While waiting for the landlord's response, keep the toddler out of that room and ensure it is well-ventilated. Do not attempt to clean it with bleach yourself, as this can aerosolize spores. The landlord should arrange for a licensed contractor to fix the AC leak, properly remediate the mold, and repair the damaged wall. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 19, 2026 12:02 am