Is fixing landlord's mold from AC leak their responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for major maintenance and structural repairs falls on the landlord. This includes fixing the source of a water leak from an AC unit, which is considered a structural or mechanical fault. The resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of that unrepaired leak.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of both the leak source and the mold. They are obligated to address the root cause—the leaking AC—to prevent further damage. For extensive mold growth, especially behind built-in furniture, professional remediation is strongly advised. Attempting to clean it yourself can aerosolize spores and worsen allergy symptoms, which aligns with what your husband is experiencing.

The landlord’s responsibility for the mold cleanup itself can be a grey area and often depends on what is stated in your tenancy contract. However, since the mold is a direct result of their failure to maintain the property (the AC leak), they are typically responsible for the remediation as well. The humid Dubai climate means any residual moisture will cause mold to return rapidly if not handled correctly.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. It is also wise to document the issue and your communication, as this strengthens your position. For a case of this severity, an independent indoor environmental assessment can provide a professional report on the moisture source and mold extent, which is powerful evidence for any dispute.