Landlord or tenant responsible for AC leak mold in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking into the wall behind it in our master bedroom, and now we’ve got a huge patch of black mold spreading there. We’re in an older building in Bur Dubai and it’s been getting worse over the hot season. Who is responsible for fixing this and the cleanup, us as tenants or the landlord?
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The responsibility for this repair and cleanup typically falls on the landlord, as per Dubai rental law. The landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the building's structure, including external walls and the fixed air conditioning system itself, especially if the leak originates from the AC unit's installation or a faulty condensate drain pipe.
Your immediate step should be to notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with clear photos of the leak and mold growth. This creates a formal record of the issue. Given the visible black mold spreading, this is a health and safety concern that requires their urgent attention. The hot, humid climate here causes ACs to run constantly, and condensation leaks are a primary driver of indoor mold in Dubai's older buildings. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores. A professional inspection is necessary to assess the moisture source and the extent of mold growth within the wall cavity. The remediation process involves stopping the leak, properly drying the structure, and then removing the contaminated materials. For verification of a successful cleanup, request post-remediation testing to confirm spore counts have returned to normal indoor levels. |
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