Who is responsible for AC leak and mold in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be constantly leaking, and now we’ve discovered a large patch of black mold on the wall behind our bedroom wardrobe. Our landlord is saying it’s our fault for not ventilating properly, but we run the AC 24/7 during the summer like everyone else. Who is legally responsible for the mold remediation and repair costs in a rental here?
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Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and core systems, including the central air conditioning and its components. A constant AC leak is a maintenance issue for the property owner to rectify.
The high humidity and 24/7 AC use common in Dubai create perfect conditions for mold when a leak is present. While tenants must maintain reasonable ventilation, a significant leak causing structural mold is not typically considered tenant-caused damage. Your landlord's claim may not hold if the AC unit itself is the source of the moisture. For a situation this severe, with a large patch hidden behind furniture, a professional inspection is critical. A certified mold assessment can identify the moisture source and species of mold, which provides documented evidence of the cause and required remediation scope. This report is your strongest asset in any dispute. Formally notify your landlord in writing about the leak and mold, requesting immediate repairs. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center (RDSC) in Dubai. They will review the evidence, including any professional inspection reports, to determine liability for the remediation and repair costs. |
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