Is mold from AC leak landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, fixing the AC leak and the resulting mold is almost certainly the landlord's responsibility under UAE tenancy law. The landlord is obligated to maintain the property's structure and major systems, including the central air conditioning, in good working order.

The persistent leak has created the moisture source, and Dubai's high humidity provides the perfect environment for mold to thrive. The black, speckled patches and symptoms like persistent headaches are strong indicators of a significant issue that needs professional attention. Simply wiping the visible mold is insufficient; the leak must be repaired and the affected wall area properly remediated to prevent regrowth and potential health effects.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, detailing the AC leak and mold growth. They are required to address the repair. For the remediation itself, this is not a standard cleaning job. Given the extent of growth and your reported symptoms, a professional inspection is advised to assess the mold type and penetration into the building materials. The process should involve containment, removal of contaminated porous materials like drywall, and HEPA vacuuming to properly resolve the issue. A reputable company can provide documentation of the cleanup, which is useful for your records with the landlord.