Is landlord responsible for AC leak and mold in rental?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for maintenance falls into two categories. The landlord is unequivocally responsible for the structural integrity and maintenance of the core building systems, which includes the central AC unit and its associated drainage lines. The leak from your AC unit is a maintenance issue that the landlord must address.

The resulting mold growth, however, introduces a critical health and safety concern. While the landlord's responsibility is to fix the source of the moisture (the leak), the remediation of the mold itself can become a point of contention. The law obligates the tenant to maintain the interior of the property. However, since the mold is a direct and unavoidable consequence of the landlord's failure to maintain the AC system in a timely manner, the responsibility for the professional remediation of the hazardous mold growth should fall upon the landlord.

Given the conditions in Jumeirah Village Circle and the current high humidity, this situation will not resolve itself. Black mold indicates a persistent moisture issue. Simply wiping it away is insufficient and hazardous, as it disperses toxic spores. The wall cavity likely requires professional assessment and remediation to prevent regrowth and potential health issues.

Your first action should be a formal written notification to the landlord or property management company, detailing the AC leak and the visible mold, and requesting immediate repairs. For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled to international standards, I recommend a professional inspection. Our team at Saniservice can provide a comprehensive report that can be used to formally communicate the required actions to your landlord. For immediate assistance, you can call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.