Landlord responsible for AC leak mold inspection?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years, but just this week I pulled our sofa away from the wall and found a huge patch of black mold spreading from the corner. It's been extra humid lately and I think it might be from a small, persistent leak in the AC unit. Are we responsible for getting this professionally inspected, or is this something our landlord has to handle?
Posted by Sunita Banerjee
Asked on April 29, 2026 9:40 pm
Under UAE tenancy law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the property's core structure and major systems, which includes the central AC unit and the building envelope. A leak from the AC unit itself that causes mold growth is typically the landlord's obligation to repair and remediate.

You should immediately notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of both the mold and any visible signs of the AC leak. This creates a formal record of the issue. For a large patch of mold, a professional inspection is strongly advised to determine the full extent of the growth, which often spreads behind walls, and to identify the specific species. In Dubai's high humidity, what starts as a small leak can quickly lead to widespread contamination.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). They can mandate that the landlord address the health and safety issue. Be prepared to show your documented communication. While you await a response, keep the area ventilated and avoid disturbing the mold, as this can release spores. The persistent humidity and constant AC use create perfect conditions for this problem, making a professional assessment crucial for a proper, long-term solution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 30, 2026 2:18 am