Is landlord responsible for AC mold in humid Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Landlords in Dubai are typically responsible for fixing AC leaks and resulting mold under Law No. 26 of 2007, which governs landlord-tenant relations. The obligation to maintain the property's structure and essential services like air conditioning falls on the owner. A persistent leak from the AC unit itself is a maintenance issue they must address.

Your landlord's claim about ventilation is a common point of contention. While daily living moisture contributes to general humidity, it does not cause a leak. The primary issue is the malfunctioning AC unit creating a constant moisture source. Dubai's high ambient humidity, especially in summer, exacerbates the problem but is not the root cause. In a sealed studio apartment, relying on AC is necessary for most of the year.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the leak and the spreading black mold, as it is a potential health hazard and is damaging the property. Request immediate repair of the AC unit and professional remediation of the mold. For your own health, avoid disturbing the patches, as this can release spores.

If the landlord refuses, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre in Dubai. They will often side with the tenant for essential maintenance issues like this. For serious, widespread growth, a professional inspection with lab testing can provide documented evidence of the species and extent of the problem, which is useful in any dispute. The cost of this diagnostic step may be recouped from the landlord if the ruling is in your favor.