Who is responsible for AC mold damage in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility typically falls on the landlord for structural damage caused by an AC leak. While tenants are often responsible for general AC maintenance per many contracts, a leak that damages the property structure (walls, ceilings) is a building integrity issue. The black mold is a direct result of that water damage.

Dubai’s high humidity means any persistent moisture from a leak will almost certainly lead to mold growth. You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the leak and resulting mold, as it poses a potential health risk and is damaging their asset. The landlord is generally obligated to provide a habitable property, and active mold growth can violate that.

For the mold itself, a professional inspection is advised to determine the extent. Surface mold from a single leak is often manageable, but if moisture has penetrated the wall cavity, remediation may be more involved. The landlord should arrange for both the leak repair and the wall restoration. If they refuse, you can reference this with the Dubai Land Department or the Rental Dispute Center, as they handle such tenancy disagreements. Document everything with photos and your written communication.