Is landlord liable for AC leak mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The liability depends on the source of the leak. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for the maintenance of the main structure and essential services, which includes the central AC unit and its core components. If the leak originates from the AC unit itself—a faulty drain pan, clogged condensate line, or a broken unit—then it is typically the landlord's responsibility to repair it and address the resulting damage.

However, if the leak is due to a tenant's negligence, like failing to change a filter or report a minor issue that escalated, those costs could fall to you. Since the mold returned after cleaning, the moisture source is clearly active, indicating a repair is needed.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the AC leak and the recurring mold. They should send a technician to diagnose and fix the leak's origin. For a mold patch that has persisted for months, a professional inspection is advised to assess its extent behind the wall. Bleach only removes surface discoloration; it does not address the root moisture problem or properly remediate established growth.

In Dubai's climate, continuous AC operation creates significant condensation, and high humidity allows mold to return quickly without a proper fix. The landlord must stop the leak; then, proper remediation of the affected wall can be addressed.