Is landlord responsible for AC leak mold and damaged items?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, which includes the central air conditioning system and its associated components. A persistent AC leak that leads to mold growth falls squarely under this obligation. You have already notified the landlord of the leak, which is a critical first step. His instruction to simply empty the drip tray is insufficient, as this does not address the root cause of the malfunction (e.g., a clogged drain line, faulty installation, or broken condensate pump), allowing the moisture problem and subsequent mold infestation to continue.

The humid climate of Dubai, combined with constant AC use, creates a perfect environment for mold to flourish rapidly from any untreated water intrusion. The mold remediation and repairs to the wall and AC unit are the landlord's legal responsibility. Regarding your damaged belongings, you should document everything with photographs and a list of affected items. Compensation for damaged personal property is typically pursued through a civil claim, and you may need to provide evidence that the damage was a direct result of the landlord's failure to address the reported maintenance issue.

For a situation of this severity, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. We recommend you contact our team at Saniservice immediately. We can provide a certified inspection and detailed report documenting the mold type and extent of the damage, which is vital evidence for your landlord and, if necessary, the Dubai Rental Dispute Center. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an assessment. Do not attempt to remediate this yourself, as improper handling can spread toxic spores and exacerbate the health risk.