Who pays for mold from AC leak in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility typically falls on the landlord, as the AC unit is a core part of the property's structure. Dubai's standard rental contract (EJARI) generally holds the landlord responsible for maintenance of major installations like air conditioning systems. The leak itself is a maintenance issue, and the resulting mold is a direct consequence of that failure.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) with clear photos of both the mold and the AC leak's origin point. The high humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create ideal conditions for mold, and hidden condensation leaks are a common source. While you may have a duty to report issues promptly, a slow leak from an AC unit is often considered a latent defect that wasn't immediately apparent.

For a case this severe, a professional inspection is critical to document the cause and full extent. The inspection report can serve as evidence if a dispute arises with your landlord. If the landlord continues to refuse, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai, as the law typically sides with tenants on structural and maintenance issues that affect habitability. The cost of remediation and repairs for damage caused by the landlord's failure to maintain the property is usually their financial responsibility.