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

The responsibility typically falls on the landlord if the mold is caused by a structural defect or a faulty appliance, like a leaking AC unit. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to provide a property in a habitable condition and are responsible for maintenance of the building's structure and major installed appliances.

Your situation points directly to a pre-existing maintenance issue. A constantly dripping AC is a clear source of moisture intrusion, which is the root cause of the mold growth. Simply ventilating a room is insufficient to counteract a continuous water leak in Dubai's high-humidity climate, where condensation and moisture accumulation are common challenges.

Document everything. Take clear photographs and videos of the mold and the leaking AC unit. Formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail), describing the issue and linking the mold to the AC leak. Politely request that they arrange for both the AC repair and the professional mold remediation, as the leak is the source of the problem.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is highly recommended to confirm the moisture source and the extent of the mold growth. A proper remediation protocol involves fixing the leak first, then addressing the mold, not just cleaning the visible patches. If the landlord remains uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.