Is my landlord required to pay for mold removal?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom closet has been leaking a bit, and now I’ve found a large patch of black mold spreading on the wall behind my clothes. It’s been getting worse for a couple of weeks since the last humid spell. I’ve notified the building management, but they said it’s the landlord’s responsibility, and my landlord is being slow to respond. Am I legally required to pay for the mold removal myself, or is the landlord obligated to fix this since it's related to the AC unit?
Posted by Samantha Young
Asked on March 30, 2026 2:14 pm
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for all major maintenance and repairs related to the structure of the property and its core systems, including the central air conditioning unit. Since the mold growth is a direct result of an AC leak, this constitutes a failure of a provided appliance and is therefore the landlord's obligation to rectify.

The persistent high humidity and condensation issues common in Dubai's climate mean that water intrusion from an AC unit will rapidly lead to mold proliferation, as you've experienced. It is critical to address both the symptom (the mold) and the root cause (the leaking AC) to prevent recurrence and potential health issues.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing, referencing the law and the health hazard posed by the mold. Give them a reasonable deadline to respond with a plan for remediation. For a patch described as "large and spreading," a professional inspection and remediation are strongly advised. Improper removal can disturb spores and significantly increase airborne contamination.

Our team at Saniservice specializes in such scenarios. We conduct a thorough inspection to identify the full extent of the contamination, provide a detailed report for your landlord, and execute a complete remediation process that includes fixing the moisture source, removing the mold, and ensuring the area is properly dried and hygienized to Dubai Municipality standards. For immediate expert assistance, you can call us at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 6:09 am