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

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, which includes the fixed air conditioning unit and its associated drainage system. If the AC unit is leaking due to age, faulty installation, or a blocked drain line—common issues in our humid climate—that is a maintenance failure. Your prior maintenance requests are critical evidence that you reported the problem.

The resulting mold and water damage stem from that initial maintenance issue. You are typically responsible for damage you directly cause, but a long-term leak from an aging unit points to the landlord's responsibility for repairs and remediation. The black mold spreading on the wall indicates a serious moisture problem that requires professional assessment to determine the full extent behind the wall.

Document everything: take clear photos of the mold, the leaking AC unit, and any visible damage. Send a formal written notice to your landlord, referencing your previous maintenance requests and stating that the leak and mold are a health hazard and property damage issue they must address under their legal obligations. For a case this advanced, a certified mold inspection with lab analysis can definitively identify the moisture source and mold type, providing a professional report to support your claim with the landlord or, if necessary, the Dubai Rental Dispute Center.