Who is responsible for mold from landlord's neglected AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and the major systems within it, including the air conditioning, falls squarely on the landlord. This obligation is fundamental to ensuring the property is habitable. The AC unit and its drainage system are considered a core part of the property's infrastructure.

Your landlord's assertion that this is your fault for "not maintaining the AC" is legally questionable. Tenant maintenance typically covers filter cleaning and general operational care, not repairs to the unit itself or its internal components that cause leaks. Crucially, you have documented evidence that you reported the leak to building management months ago. This written notification is critical, as it demonstrates you did not neglect the issue and effectively places the responsibility for inaction on the property owner.

The resulting black mold is a direct consequence of this neglected water intrusion. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, a persistent AC leak creates a perfect environment for rapid mold proliferation, which can pose serious health risks and cause significant property damage. Therefore, the landlord is almost certainly legally responsible for the professional remediation of the mold on the structure (the wall) and for the damages to your personal belongings (the clothes) that resulted from their failure to address the reported repair.

For a case of this severity, a professional inspection and testing are essential to document the extent of the contamination and formally identify the mold species. This report will serve as vital evidence. We strongly recommend you contact a certified mold remediation company like Saniservice immediately. Our experts can provide a comprehensive assessment, legally defensible reports, and execute the necessary remediation. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection and protect your health and your rights as a tenant.