Who pays for mold removal and damaged items in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom closet has been leaking for a while, and now I’ve found a huge patch of black mold spreading on the wall behind my clothes. I’ve reported the leak to my landlord in Al Barsha a couple of times, but they only sent someone to fix the drip, not the mold. Who is legally responsible for the mold remediation and the cost of any damaged belongings?
Posted by Christopher Young
Asked on May 8, 2026 8:45 am
Under Dubai law, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and habitability of a property, which includes addressing leaks from fixed installations like AC units. Since the leak originated from the AC, the resulting mold and any damage to the building structure is their financial responsibility.

For your damaged personal belongings, you will need to demonstrate that the damage was a direct result of the landlord's negligence in not properly repairing the known leak. Document everything: take clear photos and videos of the mold, the leak, and all damaged items. Keep copies of all communications with your landlord reporting the issue. This evidence is crucial.

Given Dubai's high humidity, a leak creates a perfect environment for rapid mold growth that can spread inside walls. A professional inspection is strongly advised to determine the full extent of the contamination, as what is visible is often just a fraction of the problem. Remediation must address the moisture source and the hidden mold to be effective.

If your landlord continues to be unresponsive, you can file a formal complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). They have the authority to mandate repairs and, in some cases, award compensation for damaged personal property if negligence is proven.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 9, 2026 10:58 am