Landlord or tenant responsible for AC leak mold?« Back to Previous Page

Our AC unit in the master bedroom has been leaking a bit for the last two months, and now we’ve found a patch of black mold spreading on the wall behind the wardrobe. I’ve been wiping it with bleach but it keeps coming back, and I'm worried about our health. Is it my responsibility as a tenant to handle this, or should my landlord be arranging for a proper fix?
Posted by Giovanni Nowak
Asked on March 23, 2026 5:07 pm
In the UAE, particularly in Dubai's high-humidity climate, AC units are a primary source of condensation and subsequent mold growth if not properly maintained. The responsibility for this issue is typically defined by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, which regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants.

Generally, the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the main structure of the property and the fixed installations, which includes the central AC system, its ducts, and the drainage lines. A persistent leak from the AC unit is a failure of the building's infrastructure. As a tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to reporting the issue in a timely manner and allowing access for repairs. However, if the damage was caused by your negligence or misuse, the responsibility could shift.

Your attempt to clean the visible mold with bleach is a common but ineffective solution. Bleach only removes surface discoloration and does not address the root moisture problem or the hyphal roots of the mold growing within the porous wall material. This is why it continues to return. The presence of recurring black mold indicates a significant and ongoing moisture issue that requires professional intervention.

For your health and to properly resolve this, you must formally notify your landlord in writing of the AC leak and the resulting mold infestation, requesting immediate professional remediation. For a case of this nature, we strongly recommend a certified mold inspection and hygienization process. Our team at Saniservice specializes in this exact scenario, using advanced techniques like thermal imaging to locate the moisture source and EPA-approved antimicrobial treatments to safely and permanently eradicate the mold colony. Do not delay; contact us for a professional assessment at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 1:28 am