Who is responsible for mold under carpet from AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for structural maintenance and repairs of the property, including issues with the air conditioning system and its resulting damage, falls squarely on the landlord. A slow AC leak is a building system failure, not a result of tenant lifestyle. Your use of a dehumidifier demonstrates proactive measures to control ambient humidity, which is a tenant's responsibility, but it is completely ineffective against a direct water leak from a fixed installation.

The landlord's claim about improper ventilation is a common but often incorrect deflection. Dubai's climate necessitates year-round AC use, which naturally dehumidifies the air internally. Condensation issues typically arise from faulty AC units (low refrigerant, incorrect sizing, poor insulation on ducts) or building envelope defects, both of which are the landlord's legal obligation to maintain.

For this situation, you must take specific steps. First, document everything: take clear photographs and videos of the mold and any visible signs of the AC leak. Second, formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) of the issue and request immediate, professional remediation. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and contaminate the entire apartment.

For an official determination of the cause and extent of contamination, a professional mold inspection is critical. We provide certified inspections that include moisture mapping and air quality testing to identify the precise source and create a legally defensible report for the landlord. The cleanup and carpet replacement must be handled by a certified remediation company like Saniservice to ensure it is done safely and effectively, eliminating health risks and preventing recurrence.

For immediate assistance with inspection and a formal report, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.