Who is responsible for mold and leaks in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property. This includes fixing leaks in the roof, external walls, or plumbing systems that cause water intrusion. The constant AC drip and ceiling mold following heavy rain strongly indicate an underlying structural or maintenance issue, which falls on the landlord to rectify.

Your responsibility as a tenant typically covers general upkeep and ventilation. However, arguing that a leaky AC unit and water ingress from rain is due to poor ventilation is not legally sound in Dubai's climate, where ACs run year-round and condensation issues are common. The damp carpet from the AC drip creates a secondary moisture source that exacerbates the mold problem.

For action, document everything: take clear photos/videos of the mold patch, the AC drip, and the damp carpet. Send a formal written notification to your landlord or property management company, citing the water leakage and potential health hazard. Request immediate repairs for the leak and professional mold remediation. For significant visible growth, a professional inspection with lab testing is advised to identify the species and properly assess the scope, as surface cleaning often fails if the moisture source remains.

If the landlord refuses, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). They commonly rule in the tenant's favor for issues affecting habitability and health, especially with documented evidence of landlord inaction on repairs.