Who pays for AC leak and mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Tenancy law in Dubai generally places the responsibility for major structural and maintenance issues on the landlord, which typically includes the central AC system and any resultant damage like mold from a leak. As the tenant, your responsibility is typically to report the issue promptly and allow access for repairs.

Given the leak has persisted for months and visible black mold has developed, this is a maintenance issue for the property owner. The black, fuzzy growth suggests a significant moisture problem that requires professional remediation, not just surface cleaning. In Dubai's humid climate, mold can spread quickly inside walls from a constant AC leak, leading to the damp smell and potential health effects like headaches you’ve noticed.

Formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the leak and mold, including clear photographs. They are obligated to address the root cause (fixing the AC leak) and the resulting damage (mold remediation) to ensure the property is habitable. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC).

Due to the potential for hidden growth and the specific type of mold, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent. Proper remediation involves fixing the leak, containing the area, safely removing contaminated materials, and verifying clearance with post-remediation testing. This is not a DIY task for a patch of this nature.