Who is responsible for fixing landlord-ignored mold?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking a bit of water into the closet in my master bedroom. I noticed a small patch of black mold starting to form on the back wall a couple of weeks ago and it's slowly getting bigger. I've reported the AC issue to my landlord before, but nothing was done. Who is legally responsible for fixing the mold problem here, me or the landlord, and what's the best way to get them to take action?
Posted by Majid Kareem
Asked on April 20, 2026 3:50 pm
Landlords are typically responsible for addressing mold caused by structural or maintenance issues, like an AC leak, under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007). Since you've already reported the AC fault, the resulting mold is their liability to remediate.

Document everything. Send a formal written follow-up (email is best) to your landlord or property manager, reiterating the AC leak and including clear, dated photos of the growing mold. Mention that the persistent humidity from the leak creates an environment where mold can thrive, which is a common issue in Dubai's climate. This creates a paper trail. For serious, recurring cases, a professional inspection report from a certified company can provide undeniable evidence of the problem's source and severity, strengthening your position.

If they continue to ignore you, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai. They have the authority to order the landlord to make the necessary repairs. Do not attempt to remove extensive mold yourself, as improper handling can disperse spores and worsen indoor air quality. Your priority is to get the AC leak fixed; stopping the moisture source is the first and most critical step in any mold remediation process.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 21, 2026 6:03 pm