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

Under Dubai tenancy law, the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its core systems, including the AC and its condensate drainage. Since the mold is spreading from the wall cavity where the AC unit is installed, this strongly suggests a failure in the AC's drainage system or a leak in the chilled water pipe, which is their responsibility to rectify.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the mold and its location relative to the AC unit. They are obligated to investigate and repair the source of the moisture. The cost to remediate the mold itself can be a point of negotiation, but the repair of the AC or building envelope that caused it falls to them.

Given the climate, this is a common issue. Constant AC operation produces significant condensation, and if the drain line is blocked or the drip pan is cracked, that water leaks into walls and ceilings. A professional inspection is crucial to confirm the exact moisture source. For extensive growth like you describe, remediation should be handled by specialists to prevent spores from spreading—simply wiping it often makes the problem worse. The landlord may arrange this, but you should ensure it's done properly with verification that the source is fixed and the air quality is restored.