Who is responsible for AC leak mold in rented apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Responsibility typically falls on the landlord for structural and maintenance-related issues like this. According to common practice under Dubai rental laws (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure, including the central air conditioning system and any damage its failure causes.

Your first step is to immediately notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the leak and the resulting mold. This documents the issue and starts the clock on their obligation to respond and rectify. The persistent humidity in JVC, combined with a constant AC drip, creates a perfect environment for mold to thrive and potentially spread within wall cavities or under flooring.

For a leak of this duration, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent. Surface cleaning is insufficient if moisture has penetrated the carpet underlay or subfloor. Remediation involves stopping the leak at its source (likely a clogged condensate drain line or faulty installation), removing and disposing of contaminated porous materials like carpet and padding, and properly drying the area to prevent recurrence.

While the landlord handles the AC repair and structural damage, review your tenancy contract for any specific clauses about mold or maintenance responsibilities. If the leak was caused by a tenant-reported issue that was ignored, the landlord’s responsibility is clear. If the damage was exacerbated by a failure to report the leak in a timely manner, liability could become shared. For health safety and to determine the necessary scope of work, a certified mold inspection with moisture mapping is the best course of action.