Who is responsible for AC-caused mold in my Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking for a couple of months, and now I’m seeing black, speckled patches spreading on the wall behind the wardrobe. My landlord says it’s due to humidity and that regular cleaning is my responsibility as the tenant. Who is legally responsible for the inspection and removal of this black mold in Dubai, especially since it seems to be caused by an AC issue I reported weeks ago?
Posted by Adel Al-Hassan
Asked on April 16, 2026 1:50 am
In Dubai, responsibility for AC-caused mold is typically the landlord's, as it stems from a structural maintenance issue—the leaking AC unit—which you already reported. According to standard tenancy contract terms (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords must maintain the property's structure, including fixed AC systems and resulting water damage.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord in writing about the leak and mold, keeping a dated record. If they refuse to act, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center (RDC). The humidity here accelerates mold growth from any leak, making prompt professional remediation critical to prevent structural damage and health impacts from spores.

For a case with visible spreading, a professional inspection is advised to document the source and extent. Remediation involves fixing the leak, proper mold removal (not just surface cleaning), and restoring the wall. While basic cleaning might be a tenant's duty, a significant infestation caused by a reported equipment failure is the property owner's responsibility to rectify.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 18, 2026 7:30 pm