Who is responsible for AC leak mold in JBR rental?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its core systems, including the air conditioning and its components. Since the mold growth is a direct result of an AC leak—a maintenance issue—responsibility for both the leak repair and the resultant mold remediation typically falls on the landlord.

Your landlord's claim that you are at fault for not reporting sooner is a common point of contention. However, your obligation is to report issues in a reasonable timeframe, which you have now done. The underlying cause—a faulty AC unit—is their responsibility to fix. Document the leak and mold with clear photos and dated communications to formally notify them.

Given Dubai's high humidity, hidden mold can spread quickly behind walls and furniture. A professional inspection is critical to assess the full extent, as what's visible is often just a fraction of the problem. Remediation involves fixing the leak, properly drying the structure, and removing the contaminated materials to prevent regrowth and protect indoor air quality.

For formal disputes, you can contact the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) in Dubai. They will review your tenancy contract and the evidence to make a final determination on liability for the repairs.