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

The landlord is responsible for fixing the root cause—the leaking AC unit and subsequent property damage. Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords must maintain the property’s structure and essential systems like air conditioning. A leak falls squarely under their obligation. The claim that running the AC "too cold" causes this is incorrect; mold forms from persistent moisture, which is due to the leak itself and Dubai's high ambient humidity.

You are responsible for reporting the issue promptly, which you have done. For your health, black fuzzy patches indicate active growth that should be professionally assessed. In rentals, the landlord typically arranges and pays for the repair of the leak. The mold remediation responsibility can depend on the tenancy contract, but the landlord’s failure to fix the leak likely makes them liable for the resulting damage.

Document everything with photos and written communication. For verification, insist that any remediation includes before-and-after testing by a certified lab to confirm the mold is gone and the air quality is safe. This is standard practice for reputable companies and provides concrete evidence the issue is resolved.