Is landlord responsible for moldy clothes from AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential systems, including the central air conditioning. A persistent AC leak falls under this category of maintenance. Since you have already reported the issue to building management multiple times, you have a record of notifying them of the defect.

The landlord's responsibility for your damaged personal property is a more complex matter. Your strongest course of action is to document everything immediately. Take clear, dated photographs of the leak's origin point, the water damage path, and all the moldy clothing. Save copies of your previous communications with building management about the AC drip. This evidence is critical for establishing that the damage was a direct result of a known maintenance issue that was not addressed in a timely manner.

For the mold itself, the persistent moisture from an AC leak in a JLT apartment creates an ideal environment for growth due to our high humidity. The black spots are likely Cladosporium or Aspergillus, which are common in such water-damaged settings and can cause fabric deterioration and respiratory irritation. Do not attempt to clean the clothes yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores. A professional inspection and mold test can definitively identify the species, which strengthens your case by linking the damage directly to the unresolved leak.

Present this documented evidence to the landlord or property management company formally, requesting compensation for the damaged items. If they are unresponsive, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai. They will review the evidence to determine liability based on the landlord's failure to perform necessary maintenance.