Who is responsible for AC leak and mold cleanup cost?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment has been leaking a little, and now I’ve found a patch of black mold on the wall behind the wardrobe. It’s been slowly getting worse over the summer. Who is responsible for fixing this and the cost of the cleanup, me or the landlord?
Posted by David Thompson
Asked on April 3, 2026 10:10 am
In the UAE, the responsibility for AC leak repairs and resulting mold remediation is typically dictated by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended. The landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the building's structure and central systems, which includes the AC unit and its associated condensate drainage lines. Since the leak originates from the AC, a permanent fixture, the financial responsibility for repairing the leak itself almost certainly falls on the landlord.

However, the situation with the mold cleanup can be more nuanced. The landlord's obligation is to provide a habitable property and repair the source of the moisture. The tenant is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and reporting issues in a timely manner. If the tenant failed to report the AC leak promptly, leading to exacerbated mold growth, some liability for the cleanup cost could be argued. Given the specific climate in Dubai, with extreme humidity and year-round AC use leading to condensation issues, prompt reporting is critical.

For a case like this in Jumeirah Village Triangle, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. A certified mold assessor can determine the extent of the infestation, identify the exact species of mold (crucial for health risk assessment), and provide a detailed remediation protocol. This documented report is essential for clearly establishing the cause, scope, and required corrective actions with your landlord.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the mold is safely and effectively removed according to Dubai Municipality standards, contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 3, 2026 12:19 pm