Landlord or tenant: who fixes AC leak mold?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be leaking water onto the wall, and now a big black mold patch is spreading behind the wardrobe in our bedroom. We've tried wiping it but it keeps coming back and the dampness is getting worse. Who is responsible for fixing this and the damage, us or the landlord, especially since it seems to be an AC issue?
Posted by Nancy Jones
Asked on March 13, 2026 12:03 pm
Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract provisions, the responsibility for repairing the AC unit and the resultant mold damage typically falls on the landlord. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes ensuring all major building systems, like air conditioning, are functioning correctly. The AC leak is the root cause of the moisture intrusion, and its repair is the landlord's responsibility.

However, as the tenant, your responsibility is to report the issue promptly and provide access for repairs. Your action of wiping the mold was a temporary measure but does not address the underlying moisture source, which is why it continues to return. The persistent dampness you describe indicates a significant and ongoing water issue that requires immediate professional attention.

In the humid climate of Dubai, where AC systems run year-round, condensation leaks are a common precursor to rapid mold growth. This is not a superficial problem; the visible patch behind the wardrobe is likely just a fraction of the colonization, which can spread within the wall cavity.

We strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the AC leak and mold growth, requesting immediate remediation. For a case of this severity, a professional inspection is essential to determine the full extent of the damage and to provide a certified report that can be used to ensure proper remediation is completed.

Our team at Saniservice specializes in mold inspection, moisture mapping, and certified remediation in accordance with Dubai Municipality guidelines. We can provide the documentation needed to clarify liability and ensure the problem is resolved correctly. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 16, 2026 10:07 am