Who pays for AC leak and mold repair in rental?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility typically falls on the landlord. According to standard Dubai rental contracts (EJARI), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the main structure of the property and its fixed installations, which includes the central AC system and the building envelope. An AC leak causing wall damage is a structural maintenance issue.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the leak and the resulting mold. Do this immediately, as delays can lead to more extensive damage. For a JVC apartment facing high humidity, this is a common but urgent issue. The continuous condensation from a leaking AC unit creates a perfect environment for mold to thrive behind furniture.

While awaiting repair, move the wardrobe away from the wall to improve air circulation and prevent the mold from spreading further. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can often worsen the problem by pushing spores deeper into the porous wall material. A professional inspection is recommended to assess the full extent of the mold growth behind the wall, which is often more severe than what is visible on the surface. The landlord should arrange and pay for both the AC repair to stop the water source and the subsequent mold remediation to properly clean and restore the affected wall area. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.