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

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and major installations, which includes the central AC system and its components. A leaky AC unit that causes water damage and subsequent mold growth is typically considered a structural maintenance issue, making it the landlord's responsibility to repair.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about both the AC leak and the resulting mold, as this creates a necessary paper trail. Include clear photos of the leak, the mold behind the wardrobe, and any water stains. The landlord is obligated to address the root cause—fixing the AC leak—to prevent recurrence. For a case of this size, a professional mold inspection is strongly recommended to assess the extent of growth, especially since it's in a child's bedroom and has been developing for an extended period.

While the landlord handles the AC repair and major remediation, you are generally responsible for contents and surface cleaning once the moisture source is resolved. However, given the climate's high humidity and constant AC use, which can spread spores, ensure the remediation process includes proper containment and air quality verification. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center in Dubai.