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

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a little onto the carpet for a couple of months, and now I've pulled the furniture back to find a huge patch of black mold behind the wardrobe. My landlord is saying it's from my AC unit and my problem, but the building's maintenance guy thinks the drain pipe in the wall might be blocked. Who is legally responsible for fixing this and paying for the mold remediation in Dubai?
Posted by Francois Wisniewski
Asked on March 20, 2026 5:17 am
Based on Dubai rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs is typically divided between the landlord and the tenant. The landlord is responsible for the property's main structure and essential systems, including internal AC ducting and drainage pipes concealed within the walls. The tenant is generally responsible for maintenance resulting from their own usage.

In your case, the root cause dictates financial responsibility. If the mold is due to a blocked condensate drain pipe within the building's structure, this is unequivocally the landlord's responsibility to rectify. However, if the issue is solely with your individual AC unit (e.g., a clogged internal drain pan or a faulty installation that was your responsibility to maintain), the liability may fall to you. The conflicting opinions from your landlord and the maintenance technician highlight the critical need for a professional, independent assessment.

Given Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC dependence, this situation requires immediate attention. Black mold proliferation behind furniture is a serious health and structural concern. I strongly recommend you engage a certified mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our experts can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact moisture source through thermal imaging and moisture mapping, take air and surface samples to identify the mold type and concentration, and provide a definitive report on the cause. This evidence-based report is crucial for resolving the dispute with your landlord under Dubai's rental laws.

Do not attempt to remediate this yourself. For a proper assessment and to discuss your legal options, call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 22, 2026 10:26 am