Who pays for mold from a leaking AC in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has been leaking a bit for the last few weeks, and now I’ve found a patch of black mold on the wall behind our bedroom curtain. We’ve been wiping it away but it just comes back. Our landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but I’m convinced it’s the AC unit leaking. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for the mold removal, the tenant or the landlord in Dubai?
Posted by Huda El-Masri
Asked on March 31, 2026 1:56 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation stemming from a leaking AC unit is typically determined by the source of the moisture. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition and are responsible for repairs related to the structure and essential services, which includes the central air conditioning system. If the mold growth is a direct result of a malfunctioning AC unit that requires repair, the financial and logistical responsibility falls on the landlord.

Your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle is a classic example. The persistent leak indicates an internal fault within the AC unit—such as a clogged condensate drain line, a faulty pump, or a cracked drain pan—which is a structural issue. Simply wiping the visible mold is insufficient and potentially hazardous, as it addresses only the symptom, not the root cause. The mold hyphae penetrate porous materials like drywall and paint, necessitating professional remediation. Dubai's high humidity levels act as a constant catalyst, ensuring the mold will return until both the moisture source is eliminated and the contaminated materials are properly treated or replaced.

We strongly recommend you formally request, in writing, that your landlord arrange for a professional inspection. This will definitively identify the leak's source and the extent of contamination. Attempting remediation without fixing the AC is futile. For a comprehensive solution, our certified team at Saniservice can perform a detailed inspection, provide a definitive report for your landlord, and execute the complete remediation process, including moisture mapping, mold removal, and hygienization. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 3:58 pm