Who pays for mold from landlord's faulty AC in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is typically responsible for repairs to the AC unit and any resulting damage, including mold remediation. Dubai's rental law places the obligation for maintaining the property's structural integrity and major systems, like air conditioning, on the property owner.

Your first step is to formally notify the landlord in writing (email is best) about the leaking AC and the resulting mold growth, with clear photos as evidence. The persistent humidity from a leaking unit creates an ideal environment for mold to spread quickly into walls and furnishings. For a large patch behind furniture, a professional inspection is advised to assess the extent within the wall cavity, as surface cleaning is often insufficient.

If the landlord refuses to address the root cause (the AC leak) and the resulting damage, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They will determine liability based on evidence that the malfunctioning appliance, which is the landlord's responsibility to maintain, directly caused the problem. Do not undertake major remediation yourself, as improper removal can spread spores and exacerbate the issue.