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

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its major systems, including the AC. Since the mold is a direct result of an AC leak, which is a failure of a provided appliance, the responsibility for the repair and resulting remediation typically falls on them.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company immediately in writing, including photos of the leak and the spreading mold. They are obligated to address the source of the leak—the faulty AC unit—to prevent further damage. For the existing mold, the required remediation scope depends on the extent. Surface mold on a small area might be cleaned, but mold growing into drywall due to sustained moisture often requires cutting out and replacing the affected material to prevent regrowth and protect indoor air quality, especially with a toddler present.

Given the visible spread and your child's allergies, a professional inspection is advisable to assess potential hidden growth inside the wall cavity. The high humidity here accelerates mold growth, so prompt action is key. If the landlord refuses to address the issue, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). Keep all communication documented.