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

Tenancy law in Dubai generally places responsibility for structural maintenance and repairs on the landlord. This includes issues with the building's infrastructure that lead to water intrusion or dampness. Your situation—where a leaking AC unit, which is a fixed installation, has caused mold growth on the wall—typically falls under the landlord's obligation to rectify.

The challenge is establishing the leak's origin. Landlords often argue condensation from tenant AC usage is the cause, but a persistent leak from the AC drain line or unit itself is a maintenance failure. Document everything: take clear photos of the leak point, the mold growth, and any water pooling. In Dubai's high humidity, mold can spread rapidly from any sustained moisture source.

For a definitive assessment, a professional inspection is advised. An independent report can identify the moisture source, verify it's a leak and not just condensation, and provide documented evidence for your landlord. If the AC unit itself is faulty or its drainage is blocked, that is their responsibility to fix. The mold remediation cost should also be their responsibility, as it resulted from their property's disrepair.

If the landlord remains uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will review the evidence, including any independent inspection report, to determine liability based on your tenancy contract and law.