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

The landlord is typically responsible for structural issues and fixtures like the AC unit itself, while tenants are responsible for routine maintenance. Your annual servicing is the key evidence here. In Dubai, a properly maintained AC should not leak into the wall, as this points to an internal fault in the unit or the condensate drain line, which is the landlord's responsibility to repair.

Document everything immediately. Take clear photos and videos of the mold, the leak, and any water damage. Send a formal written notification to your landlord or property management company, stating the issue and attaching your AC service receipt. Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord must maintain the property in a habitable condition, and a spreading mold infestation from a faulty fixture qualifies.

Given the extent you describe, a professional inspection is critical. The high humidity here accelerates mold growth behind walls, which can impact structural integrity and indoor air quality. An independent assessment from a company with a microbiology lab can identify the exact mold species and its source, providing a definitive report on whether the cause is a maintenance issue or an equipment failure. This objective evidence is what you will need if the landlord continues to dispute responsibility. For significant mold, remediation is not a DIY job; improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem.