Is mold from AC leak my landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, in most cases, the landlord is responsible for fixing the AC leak and the resulting mold remediation in a rented Dubai apartment.

The Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) generally places the responsibility for major maintenance and structural repairs on the landlord. This includes the maintenance and repair of central air conditioning systems and the building's structure, which encompasses walls. Since the leak is from the AC unit itself and has caused damage to the property (the wall), this is typically considered a landlord issue. Your tenancy contract may have specific clauses, but it cannot override the overarching provisions of the Dubai rental law.

You should notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Include clear photographs of the leak's origin point and the resulting mold growth. Prompt notification is critical to prevent further damage and to establish a record. Mold can spread quickly in Dubai's humid climate, especially when an AC leak provides constant moisture, so this is a time-sensitive issue.

For the mold itself, the small patch may be manageable, but the underlying leak must be fixed first. If the mold is confined to a small area (less than one square meter) on a non-porous surface, cleaning with a diluted detergent solution may suffice. However, if the moisture has seeped into the drywall or behind skirting boards, professional remediation is often necessary to prevent regrowth and potential health issues from airborne spores. A proper fix requires a technician to address the root cause of the leak, which is often a clogged drain line or a faulty condensate pump—common issues in Dubai due to dust levels and year-round AC operation.