Who is responsible for mold from landlord's unrepaired leak?« Back to Previous Page

The ceiling in our master bedroom closet has had a slow leak from the upstairs AC unit for months, and now there's a huge patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading on the wall. I've told the building management multiple times about the leak but they just keep patching it without fixing the source. Who is legally responsible here for the mold remediation – me as the tenant, the building owner, or the landlord?
Posted by Ryan Wilson
Asked on April 7, 2026 11:55 am
Under Dubai tenancy law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing leaks from building systems like AC units. Since you have documented notifying building management multiple times about the source leak, the responsibility for the resulting mold remediation almost certainly falls on the property owner, not you as the tenant.

The persistent humidity from our climate acts as a constant fuel source for mold once a water issue is present. A simple patch repair is insufficient; the AC leak's root cause must be permanently fixed to stop moisture intrusion. Until that happens, the mold will return even if cleaned.

For a case this severe, a professional inspection is critical. The black, fuzzy growth indicates a significant moisture problem. A certified inspector can document the extent of the damage and identify the exact mold species, which is important for understanding any health risks and for the remediation plan. This documented report becomes essential evidence for formally demanding action from your landlord.

Your immediate step should be to send a formal written notice to the landlord, referencing your previous complaints to building management, and insisting they address the source leak and conduct professional mold remediation. If they fail to act, you can file a case with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. In the meantime, minimize your exposure to the area, as prolonged exposure to certain mold types can cause respiratory irritation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 8, 2026 12:11 am