Is landlord responsible for AC leak mold in JVT apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), your landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its major systems, which includes the central air conditioning unit and any resultant water damage. Since the mold growth is a direct result of the AC leak, which is a maintenance issue, the responsibility for the full remediation—fixing the leak, removing the mold, and repairing the damage—typically falls on the landlord.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Include clear photographs of both the leak and the mold. This creates a dated record of your notification. They are obligated to address the root cause (the AC leak) to prevent further damage. For a situation involving visible mold growth, especially of the black, fuzzy variety, professional assessment and remediation are strongly advised over a DIY approach. The high humidity in Dubai can allow mold to spread inside wall cavities from a small visible patch.

A proper remediation process involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials like carpet and drywall, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment—not just surface wiping. Given the apartment's location in Jumeirah Village Triangle and the year-round reliance on AC, this is a common but serious issue that requires a correct fix. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.