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

The responsibility typically falls on the landlord for structural repairs, including fixing the AC leak and the resulting wall damage. Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007) generally holds landlords accountable for maintaining the property's structure, which includes the central AC system and building envelope.

Your landlord's claim about not running the AC is a common point of contention. In Dubai's climate, AC units can leak due to various issues like a clogged condensate drain line, low refrigerant, or improper installation—all maintenance issues. While constant AC operation helps manage humidity, a properly functioning unit shouldn't leak excessively from simple disuse. The core issue is the mechanical fault causing the leak.

For a case this severe, a professional inspection is critical. The visible black mold is likely just the surface growth; the leak may have caused extensive hidden damage inside the wall cavity. A proper assessment from a company with a microbiology lab can identify the mold species and the full scope of moisture damage, which strengthens your case with documented evidence.

First, formally notify your landlord in writing about the leak and mold, requesting immediate repairs. If they remain uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will review the evidence, including any professional inspection reports you obtain, to determine liability.