Who pays for mold removal from landlord's unrepaired AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is legally responsible for funding the proper remediation. Under UAE tenancy law, the property owner is obligated to maintain the premises in a habitable condition, which includes repairing structural issues and faulty appliances like an AC unit that is the source of a leak. Since the root cause is a known, unrepaired mechanical failure, the associated damage—including mold growth—falls under their responsibility.

Given Dubai's high humidity, simply drying the area is a temporary fix; the mold will return until the AC leak is permanently resolved and the contaminated materials are properly treated. For a case this severe, with visible growth on structural walls and personal belongings, a professional inspection is critical to determine the full extent. Remediation often involves removing affected drywall, treating the cavity, and addressing contamination in the HVAC system.

Document everything: take dated photos of the leak, the mold growth, and all communications with the maintenance team. Send a formal written notice to your landlord or property management company, referencing your previous complaints. If they remain unresponsive, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC). They can mandate the landlord to perform the necessary repairs and remediation. For your health and to protect your belongings, consider a professional assessment to document the contamination; this report can serve as evidence if a dispute arises.