Is fixing AC mold my landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural parts of the property, which includes the central AC system and the building envelope. The recurring leak from the AC unit that has led to mold growth on the wall is likely considered a maintenance issue for the owner to address.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the leak and the resulting mold, as this is a habitability and potential health concern. For documentation, take clear timestamped photos of the leak source and the mold patch. Humidity in JVC can exacerbate the problem quickly, as condensation from faulty AC units is a primary cause of indoor mold here.

However, the responsibility can become blurred if the damage is deemed to be from tenant negligence, such as a failure to report the initial leak in a timely manner. Since you've noted it has been leaking for a couple of months, reporting it immediately is critical to protect your security deposit.

For a case like this with visible spreading, a professional inspection is advisable to assess the full extent, as mold behind walls can be more extensive than it appears. The inspector’s report can also serve as a neutral document for your landlord, confirming the cause. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.