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

Our AC in the bedroom has been leaking a bit onto the carpet for a couple of months, but I just pulled back the corner and found a bunch of black mold growing underneath. We've been in this Discovery Gardens apartment for about a year and I'm worried it's making us feel stuffy. Is the landlord responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection and remediation, or is this on me as the tenant?
Posted by Fatima Al-Mansour
Asked on April 29, 2026 10:55 pm
Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the main structure and essential services of the property, which includes the fixed air conditioning system. The leak from the AC unit itself is likely their responsibility to repair.

However, the resulting mold growth on your carpet is a more complex issue. The landlord's obligation to address the mold depends on proving the leak was the sole cause and that you reported it promptly. Since the leak has been ongoing for months, the argument could be made that the tenant should have reported it sooner to prevent secondary damage. For your health and to resolve the liability question, your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing about the AC leak and the discovered mold, requesting immediate repairs.

Given the climate in Discovery Gardens, with high humidity and year-round AC use, hidden mold from a leak can spread quickly and is almost certainly affecting your indoor air quality, contributing to that stuffy feeling. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as disturbing it can release spores. A professional inspection is critical to assess the full extent of the damage behind walls or under flooring and to identify the mold species. This documented assessment from a certified provider is often the key evidence needed to determine responsibility for the remediation costs.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 2, 2026 1:31 pm