Who is responsible for mold from a leaking AC?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom closet has been leaking a little, and now I’ve found black spots spreading on the back wall and our stored clothes. My landlord is saying it’s from our AC usage and we should handle it, but we’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for three years with no issues until this leak started. Who is legally responsible for the mold remediation here, us or the landlord?
Posted by Camille Van Dijk
Asked on March 9, 2026 2:06 am
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 and its amendments, the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the main structural parts of the property, including the central air conditioning system and its components. A leaking AC unit is a maintenance issue related to the building's core systems.

The resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of that water intrusion. Since you've been in the apartment for three years without issue, this points to a mechanical failure or blockage in the condensate drain line or a fault in the AC unit itself, which falls under the landlord's obligation to rectify.

Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to reporting the issue in a timely manner and allowing access for repairs. It is crucial that you formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the leak and the subsequent mold growth, as this establishes a record of your communication.

However, for a definitive resolution, a professional inspection is vital. We can identify the exact source of the moisture and the species of mold, which provides an objective, technical report. This report is often the key piece of evidence needed to formally establish liability with the landlord or property management. For a proper assessment and to get that official documentation, I strongly recommend calling our team for an inspection at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or emailing hello@saniservice.com. Don't attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can spread spores and exacerbate the problem.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 11, 2026 7:14 pm