Who is responsible for AC leak and mold, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has been leaking a bit for a couple of months, and now we're getting black spots on the wall behind the bedroom wardrobe. The landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but we run the dehumidifier constantly. Who is legally responsible for fixing the leak and cleaning this mold, us or the owner?
Posted by Hannah Martin
Asked on April 7, 2026 5:25 pm
Based on the technical details you've provided, this situation is almost certainly the legal responsibility of the property owner (landlord), not you as the tenant. The core issue is a mechanical failure of the AC unit, specifically a leak, which has created the persistent moisture necessary for mold growth. Your use of a dehumidifier demonstrates you are taking proactive measures to control ambient humidity, which is a tenant's responsibility under Dubai's climate conditions. However, a dehumidifier cannot compensate for an active water leak from a building system.

Under standard UAE rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and the major mechanical systems installed within it, including the central air conditioning system and its components. The leak constitutes a failure of this system. The resulting mold is a direct consequence of that failure, making the remediation of both the leak and the microbial growth the landlord's obligation. It is critical to address this promptly, as prolonged exposure to mold, particularly the black spots you describe, can pose health risks.

For a definitive resolution, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified mold assessors can identify the exact species of mold, determine the full extent of the contamination (which often spreads behind walls), and provide a detailed, legally admissible report that outlines the cause and the required remediation protocol. This report is invaluable for formally establishing liability with the landlord.

For immediate assistance with inspection and testing, please call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and worsen the contamination.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 10, 2026 7:44 am