Is AC leak and mold landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for AC leaks and resulting mold is typically defined by the tenancy contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the property's main structure and core systems, which includes the central air conditioning system and its components. The tenant is usually responsible for minor maintenance and upkeep inside the unit.

The AC leak you describe is a failure of the system's condensate drain line or drip pan, a common issue in Dubai's climate where AC units run year-round, producing significant condensation. This is a structural/systemic fault, not due to tenant misuse. Therefore, the landlord is almost certainly responsible for repairing the AC unit itself to stop the moisture source.

Regarding the mold remediation, the responsibility is often linked to the source of the problem. Since the AC leak is the landlord's responsibility, the consequential damage (the mold growth) should also be addressed by them. You must notify the landlord or property management company in writing immediately. They are obligated to act promptly, as prolonged mold exposure poses health risks and can cause further damage to the building fabric.

However, it is critical that you do not attempt to remediate this yourself. "Huge patches" of mold, especially the black mold you describe, require professional assessment and remediation. Improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and spread contamination. The affected clothing will likely need professional hygienization or disposal.

We strongly recommend you contact the landlord and insist they hire a professional mold inspection and remediation company like Saniservice to conduct a proper assessment. Our certified experts can identify the exact mold species, contain the area, safely remove the contaminated materials, and apply professional-grade antimicrobial treatments to ensure the space is safe and hygienic. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.