AC leak causing mold and headaches: landlord responsible?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its major systems, including the central air conditioning. A persistent AC leak falls under this category, as it is causing property damage (the mold growth on the wall) and is a fault of the installation or the unit itself, not your usage.

Your landlord's claim is a common misconception. While not running AC can lead to humidity buildup, a leak is a mechanical failure. Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use mean these systems require proper maintenance to prevent condensation issues. The resulting mold is a direct consequence of the water leak, not your habits.

For your health, those black spots indicate active growth, and the headaches and congestion are a very typical reaction to mold exposure. Document everything: take clear photos of the leak, the mold, and all communications with your landlord. Send a formal written notification to them, preferably by email, stating the issue and requesting immediate repairs and mold remediation to comply with Dubai Municipality's health and safety standards for rental properties.

Given the symptoms and visible growth, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent of the mold, which may be inside the wall cavity. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this will not address the root cause and can aggravate the spores. The landlord is typically obligated to address both the source of the leak and the resultant mold damage.