Who is responsible for AC leak and mold in my rental?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom closet has been leaking a little, and now I’m starting to see black spots on the wall and our stored clothes. We’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for a year and it’s the first time this has happened. With the humidity rising, I’m worried it’ll get worse, but I’m not sure if fixing the AC unit or treating the mold is my job or the landlord's. Who is legally responsible for handling this kind of repair and cleanup in a rental?
Posted by Jacob Hill
Asked on March 20, 2026 11:50 am
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its major systems, including the central air conditioning unit and its components. An AC leak that leads to mold growth falls squarely under this category, as it's a maintenance issue with the fixture itself.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the leak and the resulting mold. Provide clear photos and a description. They are obligated to address the root cause—fixing the AC drain line or unit—to prevent further damage. For the existing mold, the responsibility for cleanup can depend on the cause. Since this was caused by a maintenance failure of a provided appliance (the AC), the landlord should typically cover the cost of the professional remediation as well.

However, given the visible black spots on the wall and clothes, this is a developing contamination issue. Mold from AC leaks can spread quickly through the HVAC system and behind walls. We strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection to assess the full extent of the contamination and to provide a protocol for safe, effective remediation. DIY cleaning on porous materials like drywall is often insufficient and can aggravate spore dispersal.

For an immediate assessment and to understand your legal standing, you can reach out to us. Call our experts at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537, or email hello@saniservice.com for a consultation. Documenting everything with a professional report will also strengthen your case with the landlord if they are uncooperative.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 23, 2026 5:18 am