Who is responsible for leaking AC repair in a rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for all major maintenance and repairs related to the structural integrity and core systems of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system. A leaking AC unit that is causing water damage to the building fabric falls squarely under this obligation.

The fact that the issue began immediately after a servicing by the landlord's handyman is a critical detail. This strongly suggests the leak was caused by improper maintenance, such as an un-cleared clogged condensate drain line, a misaligned drain pan, or a disconnected pipe—common issues when non-certified personnel work on complex HVAC systems. In Dubai's climate, this standing water creates a severe mold risk within 24-48 hours, posing a potential health hazard and compromising the building materials.

Your responsibility as a tenant is to report this defect to the landlord or property management company immediately and in writing (email is best for documentation). You must clearly state the problem, the potential for mold growth, and the fact it occurred post-servicing. You should firmly request they dispatch a certified HVAC technician to properly diagnose and remediate the issue, as their handyman's work appears to be the cause. Do not attempt repairs yourself, as this could void any agreements.

Given the visible damp patch, a professional inspection is highly advised to assess any hidden mold growth within the closet wall or HVAC system itself. For immediate assessment and certified mold inspection, I recommend you call our specialists at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report to formally present to your landlord, outlining the exact cause and required remediation steps, which strengthens your case for them to rectify it promptly and properly.