Is landlord responsible for ceiling mold from AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for repairs to the main structure of the property, including the ceiling and the fixed AC unit if it's part of the building. Since the mold is a direct result of a long-standing AC leak, which is a maintenance issue for the property itself, the responsibility for fixing the leak and the resulting damage typically falls on the landlord.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including clear photos of the leak and the mold spread. They are obligated to address the source of the moisture. For a patch spreading behind furniture, a professional inspection is wise to assess the extent, as moisture can travel within ceiling voids. The high humidity here allows mold to proliferate quickly once a water source is present.

While the landlord handles the structural repair and stopping the leak, tenant responsibilities often include removing personal belongings (like the wardrobe) to allow access for repairs. The remediation itself—safely removing the mold—should be handled by professionals hired by the landlord to ensure it is done to DHA standards and doesn't recur. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center in Dubai.