Who is responsible for AC leak mold, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a bit onto the carpet for a couple of months, and now I’m seeing a small black patch of mold growing on the baseboard behind the curtain. I’ve mentioned the leak to the landlord’s maintenance guy before, but he just wiped it up and didn't fix the unit. With the humidity rising, I’m worried it’s getting worse. Who is legally responsible for dealing with this mold – me as the tenant or the building management, and what’s the first step I should take?
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Based on Dubai rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing structural issues and faults with fixed installations like the AC unit. An AC leak is a maintenance issue that falls squarely under the landlord's responsibility. Your duty as a tenant is to report the issue promptly, which you have done.
The persistent moisture from the leak, combined with our high UAE humidity, has created the perfect environment for mold. That black patch on the baseboard is a visible sign of a likely larger contamination within the wall cavity and carpet padding. Simply wiping the water is not a fix; the source must be repaired and the resulting microbial growth properly remediated. Your first step is to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing (email is best), detailing the recurring leak, the now visible mold growth, and referencing your previous reports. This creates a necessary paper trail. Demand that they send a certified HVAC technician to repair the leak and a professional mold inspection company, like ours, to assess the contamination. For a situation that has persisted for months, a DIY approach is insufficient and potentially hazardous. We strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the full extent. Our certified experts can provide a detailed report, which can be used to formally require the landlord to act. If the landlord continues to be unresponsive, you may need to file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. For immediate professional assessment, don't hesitate to call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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