Is landlord responsible for AC leak mold in Silicon Oasis?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law, your landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its essential systems, which includes the air conditioning unit and its associated drainage. Since the mold growth is a direct result of an AC leak, which is a maintenance issue, the landlord is typically obligated to address both the leak and the resulting mold damage.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the leak and the mold, including clear photographs. They are responsible for arranging the repair of the AC unit to stop the water intrusion. For the mold itself, the required remediation depends on the extent. Small surface patches can sometimes be cleaned, but mold behind furniture often indicates a larger moisture problem within the wall cavity, which requires professional assessment and removal to prevent recurrence and potential health issues.

The climate in Silicon Oasis, with high humidity and year-round AC use, creates perfect conditions for mold to flourish quickly from any water leak. Proper remediation involves fixing the source, then containing the area, removing contaminated materials like drywall or insulation, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure it doesn't return. Simply wiping the visible spot won't address the hidden growth.

For a situation like this, a professional inspection is recommended to determine the full scope. The remediation company should provide verification, such as before-and-after lab testing, to confirm the environment is returned to a healthy state. Your landlord should cover these costs as they stem from a maintenance failure of a provided appliance. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter through Dubai's Rental Dispute Center.