Is landlord responsible for AC leak causing mold in bedroom?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the property's core systems, which includes the central air conditioning unit and its components. An AC leak falls under this category, making the landlord responsible for the repair. However, you are responsible for informing them of the issue without delay.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing—email is best for documentation—with clear photos of the leak, the resulting water damage, and the visible mold growth. Mention the presence of a toddler in the room to underscore the urgency. They are obligated to address the leak's source promptly.

For the mold itself, the damp carpet and wall material behind the wardrobe are a significant concern, especially given Dubai's high humidity which allows mold to proliferate quickly. Do not attempt to clean this yourself with bleach, as it will not address the moisture source and can disturb toxic spores. The landlord should arrange for professional mold remediation, which involves removing the affected porous materials like carpet and drywall, not just surface cleaning. Given the health concerns for your toddler, requesting a post-remediation verification test from a certified microbiology lab is advisable to confirm the environment is safe. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Disputes Center (RDC) in Dubai.