Who is responsible for AC leak and mold, landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC unit in my bedroom in our Marina apartment has been leaking a bit for the last few weeks, and now I'm seeing black spots of mold spreading on the wall behind the curtain. Our landlord says it's our problem because we should have reported the leak sooner, but we only just noticed it. Who is actually responsible for fixing the leak and cleaning this mold, the landlord or us as tenants?
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Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the property's core structure and permanent fixtures, which includes the central AC system and the building envelope. An AC leak from the unit itself or its condensate drain line is considered a maintenance issue for the property owner.
However, the tenant has a responsibility to report any issues in a timely manner. Since you've stated the leak has been ongoing for "a few weeks," this could become a point of contention. The landlord may argue negligence, but given that the leak was hidden behind a curtain and you reported it upon discovery, your position is strong. Regarding the mold, its removal is directly tied to fixing the source of moisture. Therefore, the landlord is typically obligated to address both the leak and the resultant mold growth to restore the property to a habitable condition. The black spots indicate active growth, which can pose health risks and damage the wall structure. For a definitive resolution, we strongly recommend a professional mold inspection. Our certified inspectors can identify the exact species of mold, determine the full extent of the contamination, and provide a detailed report that outlines the cause and necessary remediation steps. This report is often crucial for formally communicating with the landlord or building management and establishing liability. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination. For immediate assistance and to schedule an inspection, please call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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