Who is responsible for rental mold from an AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in JLT seems to be leaking a bit onto the wall behind the wardrobe, and now I’ve found a big patch of black mold there. It’s been getting worse over the hot season, and my landlord is saying it’s from our AC usage and we need to handle the cleanup ourselves. Who is actually responsible for the mold removal in a rental, especially when it might be linked to an AC issue?
Posted by Jennifer Davis
Asked on April 6, 2026 1:29 am
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for mold remediation hinges on the source of the problem. If the mold growth is a direct result of a maintenance issue with the property's structure or a faulty appliance provided by the landlord—such as a leaking AC unit or a breach in the building envelope—then the landlord is legally obligated to address both the root cause and the resulting mold damage.

In your JLT apartment, the AC unit leaking onto the wall is the primary defect. The extreme humidity and constant AC operation required by Dubai's climate make condensation management critical. A leaking unit indicates a failure in the drainage system (clogged condensate line, damaged drain pan, or improper installation), which is a maintenance issue falling under the landlord's responsibility to rectify. They must repair the AC to prevent further water intrusion.

However, the situation requires professional validation. We strongly recommend a certified mold inspection to definitively identify the moisture source and the extent of contamination. The visible black patch is often just the surface manifestation; the underlying structure within the wall cavity may be significantly compromised. DIY cleaning is ineffective and can aerosolize harmful spores.

For a definitive assessment and a report that can be presented to your landlord, contact our specialists. We can identify the exact cause, provide a detailed scope of work for remediation, and ensure it is completed to Dubai Municipality standards.

Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an expert evaluation and resolution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 8, 2026 8:20 am