Who pays for AC leak mold removal in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation due to an AC leak in a rental property is typically defined by the contractual obligations in your tenancy agreement and governed by the Dubai Rental Law. The core legal principle is that the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its major systems, including the central air conditioning and its associated drainage.

Since the mold growth is a direct result of a malfunctioning AC unit (a landlord-provided fixture), the financial and remedial responsibility almost certainly falls on the property owner. The persistent leak constitutes a failure to provide a habitable environment as per the implied warranty of habitability. Your responsibility as a tenant is generally limited to reporting the issue in a timely manner and allowing reasonable access for repairs.

Given the climate in Dubai, with its extreme humidity and year-round reliance on AC, condensation leaks are a common catalyst for severe microbial growth like the black mold you've described. This is not a superficial issue; it indicates a prolonged moisture problem that has likely affected the wall cavity. Attempting to clean the visible surface mold without addressing the hidden moisture source and the contaminated building materials is ineffective and can be hazardous to your health.

I strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for documentation), detailing the issue and including photographs. Clearly state that the AC leak is causing structural damage and potential health hazards. For a case like this, a professional inspection is non-negotiable to assess the full extent of the contamination and moisture damage. Our team at Saniservice can provide a comprehensive assessment and a detailed report for your landlord, outlining the necessary remediation protocol. For immediate professional guidance, you can call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. If the landlord remains unresponsive, you may need to escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.