Mold from AC leak in rental: call professional or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Notify your landlord or building management immediately. Under Dubai rental regulations, structural issues and resultant mold from AC leaks are typically the landlord's responsibility to rectify. Document the leak and mold with clear photos and send a written notification—this creates a formal record and prompts action.

For a small area, the underlying issue is the ongoing moisture. The leak must be fixed first; otherwise, mold will return. The Dubai climate, especially the high humidity, allows mold to regrow quickly from any residual moisture inside the wall. Wiping surface mold with vinegar only addresses visible growth, not the spores or mycotoxins causing the smell.

While the landlord handles the leak repair, you can request they engage a professional mold inspection. A proper assessment with moisture meters and, if necessary, air or swab sampling from a certified lab can determine the extent of infiltration into the wall. For a contained area, remediation may involve controlled removal of affected drywall and carpet, followed by professional antimicrobial treatment to address the odor and prevent recurrence. The cost for a small area is variable, but the primary responsibility for a healthy living environment lies with the property owner.