Who is responsible for mold from a leaking AC?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, specifically under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for maintenance is clearly defined. Structural issues and faults with essential services like the air conditioning system are unequivocally the landlord's responsibility. The leaking AC unit is the root cause of the moisture intrusion, and therefore, the landlord is legally obligated to repair it to prevent further damage.

The resulting mold remediation, however, can become a point of contention. While the landlord must fix the source (the leak), the cleanup of the mold growth inside the apartment is often argued to be the tenant's responsibility, akin to general cleanliness. However, this is not a simple cleaning task. The black mold you describe is a serious biohazard indicative of a persistent moisture problem. Attempting to clean it yourself with bleach or other household products is ineffective and can aerosolize spores, worsening indoor air quality and potential health risks.

Given Dubai's high humidity and year-round reliance on AC, such leaks create a perfect environment for toxic mold proliferation, which requires professional assessment and remediation. We strongly recommend you inform your landlord in writing that the mold is a direct result of the unrepaired AC leak, a structural issue under their purview, and request immediate professional inspection and remediation.

For a definitive assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, a certified mold inspection is crucial. Our teams at Saniservice are certified in environmental hygiene and can provide a detailed report on the contamination levels and its direct link to the AC leak. This report is often necessary to formally escalate the matter with the landlord or the Rental Dispute Center. Do not delay; for your health and to protect your tenancy rights, please contact us for a professional evaluation. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.