AC mold and leak responsibility in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the property's structure and its major systems, including the central AC unit and its condensate drain lines. A persistent leak causing wall damage and mold growth falls under this category of structural maintenance.

The tenant is typically responsible for issues arising from negligence or misuse, but routine AC usage in Dubai's climate is expected. The high humidity here means any small leak creates a perfect environment for mold, especially the fast-spreading black varieties like Cladosporium or Stachybotrys. Your landlord's claim would only hold if you were misusing the unit.

For your health and to resolve the dispute, you need to document the issue. Take clear, dated photos of the leak source and the mold growth. Inform your landlord in writing (email is best) about the leak and the resulting mold, citing your right to a habitable property. If they remain uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.

Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as disturbing it can aerosolize spores. The leak must be fixed first, then the affected wall material likely needs cutting out and replacement by a professional remediation service to prevent regrowth. A proper inspection can confirm the mold type and the full extent of the damage, which is often hidden behind walls. This documented evidence is also your strongest tool for holding the landlord accountable.