Who pays for mold inspection from AC leak: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for maintaining the property's structure and major systems, including the central air conditioning, falls squarely on the landlord. An AC unit leaking for several months is a clear case of a structural or mechanical failure that is not due to tenant misuse. The resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of this unresolved moisture issue.

The landlord's claim that it is from cooking steam is not technically credible in your described scenario. Mold from ambient humidity or steam typically occurs in areas of poor ventilation, like bathrooms or directly above a stove, and presents as a widespread, fuzzy film. The localized black spots concentrated around a confirmed AC leak are a classic indicator of Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (black mold) growth due to a chronic water intrusion point. Dubai's high humidity and year-round reliance on AC systems make such leaks a primary cause of indoor mold.

Therefore, the landlord is legally obligated to address both the leak at its source and the resultant mold contamination. They are responsible for arranging and paying for a professional inspection to assess the full extent of the mold growth, which can often spread inside wall cavities. A proper inspection involves moisture mapping, thermal imaging, and air/surface sampling to create a remediation protocol.

For an accurate, legally-defensible report that you can present to your landlord, I strongly recommend a certified inspection. Contact our specialists at Saniservice on 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. We can document the cause, source, and extent of the damage to clarify responsibility and ensure the remediation is done correctly to protect your health.