Who is responsible for mold from AC leak in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is typically responsible for the maintenance of the property's structure and essential services, which includes the central air conditioning system and the building envelope. An AC unit leaking and causing mold growth is a maintenance issue stemming from the property's core systems.

The landlord's claim that you are not running the AC "cold enough" is not technically valid in Dubai's climate. The primary cause of condensation and subsequent mold is not the temperature setting but rather high humidity levels (often exceeding 80-90% outdoors) and a malfunctioning AC unit. A properly functioning AC should effectively dehumidify the air as it cools. The leak indicates a fault—likely a blocked condensate drain line or a faulty drain pan—which prevents the unit from removing moisture correctly. This excess moisture then migrates into the wall cavity, creating the perfect environment for mold, such as the black patch you've described.

Your responsibility as a tenant is generally limited to general upkeep and promptly reporting such issues. Since you have already notified the landlord, they are obligated to address the root cause (repairing the AC leak) and the resulting damage (mold remediation and wall repair).

Given that the mold is already spreading, this is a serious issue that requires professional assessment. DIY cleaning is ineffective for mold growing within walls and can exacerbate spore dispersal. We strongly recommend you insist on a professional mold inspection to determine the full extent of the contamination. Our certified team at Saniservice can provide a detailed report, which can be used to formally document the issue for your landlord and ensure the remediation is handled safely and completely according to Dubai Municipality guidelines. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.