Is AC leak damage my responsibility or landlord's?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural elements and essential services of the property, which includes the fixed air conditioning unit. Since the AC leak is the source of the moisture causing the damage, the repair of the AC unit itself is almost certainly the landlord's responsibility.

Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to reporting the issue in a timely manner and allowing access for repairs. Document the leak and the resulting mold growth with clear photos and send a written notification to your landlord or property manager, citing the need for urgent repair to prevent further property damage. The high humidity in Dubai accelerates mold growth from such leaks, so prompt action is critical.

However, the extent of the damage remediation can be a grey area. While the landlord must fix the source, the cost of cleaning the mold or replacing the carpet may depend on your tenancy contract and whether the damage was exacerbated by a delay in reporting. For a case with visible spreading on the wall, a professional inspection is advised to assess the moisture content in the wall and the potential for hidden mold behind it, which is a health concern. A certified mold inspector can provide a report detailing the cause and necessary remediation steps, which is useful documentation for your landlord. If the landlord remains unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center in Dubai.