Who pays for AC leak and mold repair in Jumeirah apartment?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit, and now I've found a patch of black mold about the size of a dinner plate behind the bedroom wardrobe. It's been getting worse since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. Who is responsible for handling this and the cost of repairs, me as the tenant or the building management?
Posted by Steven Allen
Asked on March 6, 2026 5:29 pm
Based on my experience with mold inspections in Jumeirah Village Circle and across Dubai, the responsibility for AC leaks and resulting mold is typically defined by the tenancy contract and UAE law.

The AC unit itself, including the internal fan coil and its drainage system, is generally the responsibility of the property owner or landlord to maintain and repair. The leak is the root cause, so fixing that falls on them. The mold growth, however, is a consequence of that leak. The tenant's responsibility is usually to report issues like a leaking AC promptly. If you reported the leak when it first started and the landlord failed to act, they are almost certainly liable for the subsequent mold remediation. If the leak was not reported and the mold developed over time, the situation can become more complicated.

Given the size (a dinner plate is significant) and the fact it's black mold, this is a serious issue that requires professional assessment. DIY cleaning is not advised as it can aerosolize harmful spores. The humidity here will only make it worse.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. We strongly recommend a professional mold inspection to identify the exact species and the full extent of the contamination, which is often hidden behind walls. This report will be crucial evidence for determining liability and the scope of repairs.

For immediate professional testing and a detailed assessment, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We provide certified reports that are recognized by property management companies here in the UAE.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 8, 2026 4:54 am