Is landlord responsible for mold and AC smell?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential systems, which includes the central air conditioning unit and the building envelope. A musty smell from the AC and mold growth on a wall are typically considered maintenance issues stemming from these systems, not damage caused by the tenant.

The landlord's claim that you are not using the AC enough is a common but often incorrect rebuttal. In Dubai's climate, running the AC constantly can actually contribute to the problem if the unit is not draining properly or if its coils are dirty, creating a damp environment perfect for mold. The issue is more likely due to a pre-existing fault, such as poor insulation in the wall (causing condensation), a clogged AC drain line, or a poorly maintained AC unit that the previous tenant may have simply lived with.

Your first step should be to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the issue, describing the smell and the visible mold. Request that they arrange for a professional inspection to identify the root cause, as treating just the visible spots will not solve the underlying moisture problem. For a case with visible growth and a persistent odor, a professional assessment is strongly recommended to determine if the wall cavity or AC system requires remediation.

If the landlord refuses to address it, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will often side with the tenant for habitability issues like mold, especially when it points to a building or system maintenance failure. Document everything, including your communications and photos of the mold and its location.