Who is responsible for mold from a leaking AC?« Back to Previous Page

Our master bedroom AC unit in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has been leaking a bit, and now we're starting to see these black speckles on the wall behind the curtain. It’s been getting worse since the weather got really humid a few weeks ago. Who is responsible for getting this tested and cleaned, us or the landlord?
Posted by Susan Moore
Asked on March 24, 2026 1:30 pm
In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation stemming from a leaking AC unit is primarily dictated by the terms of your tenancy contract, as per Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Amended by Law No. 33 of 2008). Generally, the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the building's core structure and fixed installations, which includes the central AC system and the building envelope. The tenant is typically responsible for maintaining the interior of the property and any appliances they have installed.

In your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, the leaking AC unit is a fixed installation. Therefore, the landlord is almost certainly responsible for repairing the leak at its source to prevent further water intrusion. The resulting mold growth on the wall is a direct consequence of this failure to maintain the asset. You must notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. They are obligated to address the root cause.

However, due to Dubai's extreme humidity and the accelerated growth of mold—especially the concerning black speckles you describe—waiting for correspondence can allow the problem to worsen significantly. This type of growth, often Stachybotrys chartarum, requires professional assessment. Improper cleaning can aerosolize toxic spores throughout your bedroom.

We strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection to determine the extent of the contamination, identify the mold species, and create a protocol for safe remediation. This expert report will also be crucial evidence for your landlord, clearly delineating their responsibility.

For immediate, professional mold inspection and certified remediation to safeguard your health and property, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive assessment and a clear path to resolution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 26, 2026 2:02 am