Is my landlord responsible for mold from a leaking AC?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes ensuring all major building systems, such as the air conditioning unit, are in proper working order. A leaking AC is a structural and mechanical failure of a provided appliance, and the resulting water damage and mold growth are a direct consequence of that failure. Therefore, the responsibility to rectify the leak, the water damage, and the resultant mold remediation falls on your landlord.

The Dubai climate, with its extreme humidity and year-round reliance on AC, creates a perfect environment for mold to flourish from any moisture source. The black spots and earthy smell you describe are clear indicators of an active microbial colony. This is not a superficial cleaning issue; it requires professional assessment. Improper handling can disturb spores, spreading them throughout your apartment and potentially causing health issues.

I strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue, citing the leak and visible mold, and request immediate, professional remediation. For a case like this, a certified inspection is crucial to determine the full extent of the growth, even behind walls.

Our company, Saniservice, specializes in this exact scenario. We provide comprehensive mold inspections, detailed lab reports to document the contamination (which can be vital for landlord disputes), and certified remediation. Do not attempt to clean this yourself. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.