Mold from leaking AC: landlord or tenant responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and subsequent regulations, the responsibility for maintenance of major fixtures, including the central air conditioning system and the structural integrity of the property, falls squarely on the landlord. The AC unit is a core part of the property's infrastructure.

Your landlord's claim that not running the AC constantly caused the issue is not technically sound. While running the AC helps control humidity, a properly installed and functioning unit should not leak water into the wall cavity. This leak is the primary fault, creating the chronic moisture intrusion that led to the mold growth. The extreme humidity common in Dubai accelerates this process, but it is not the root cause. The root cause is a mechanical or installation failure of the AC system.

You, as the tenant, are responsible for general upkeep and reporting issues in a timely manner. Since you have identified and reported the problem, the obligation to rectify it shifts to the landlord. They are legally required to address the AC repair and the resulting mold remediation to ensure the property is habitable and safe.

For a case of this severity, a professional inspection is critical. The visible black mold is likely just the surface manifestation; the leak may have caused significant hidden growth within the wall. We strongly recommend you formally request your landlord to engage a professional mold remediation company like Saniservice. Our certified experts can conduct a comprehensive inspection using moisture meters and thermal imaging to determine the full extent of the damage, provide a definitive report on the cause, and execute the necessary remediation and repairs. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.