Who pays for mold inspection from AC leak in rental?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment has been leaking a little for a couple of months, and now I’m seeing black spots along the base of the wall near the unit. We’ve rented here for a year, and the landlord is usually slow to respond. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for a proper mold inspection in a case like this, us or the property owner?
Posted by Mohammed Haddad
Asked on April 12, 2026 10:45 pm
The responsibility for arranging and paying for a mold inspection due to an AC leak in a Dubai rental typically falls on the property owner. Under standard Dubai rental regulations (RERA), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its core systems, including the air conditioning. Since the leak is the source of the moisture causing the mold, it is considered a maintenance issue for the landlord to address.

For your specific situation in Jumeirah Village Triangle, document everything immediately. Take clear, dated photos and videos of the leak and the black mold growth. Send a formal written notification to your landlord or property management company, referencing your tenancy contract and requesting urgent repairs for the AC unit and a professional mold inspection. The persistent humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create ideal conditions for mold, so this needs prompt attention to prevent further spread and potential health issues.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai. They can issue an order for the landlord to conduct the necessary repairs and inspection. For a case with visible growth and a known moisture source, a professional inspection is strongly advised to determine the extent of the problem and the appropriate remediation steps, which the landlord should also cover.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 15, 2026 5:59 am