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

Your responsibility as the tenant is to report the issue to your landlord or property management company immediately in writing. The landlord's responsibility is to fix the source of the leak, which is the faulty AC unit. The cleanup of the resulting mold, however, can be a grey area and often depends on the cause and the terms of your tenancy contract.

In Dubai, landlords are typically responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and all major fixed appliances, like the AC system. Since the mold growth is a direct result of an AC malfunction, the repair of the unit and the remediation of any damage it caused should fall to the landlord. However, if the leak was known and left unreported for an extended period, leading to significant damage, some liability could shift.

Given the climate, this needs prompt attention. The constant humidity and condensation from a leaking AC create an ideal environment for mold, and what's visible on the wall is often just a fraction of the growth within the wall cavity. Simply wiping the visible spot is insufficient and can aggravate spores.

Send a formal written notification to your landlord today, including photos of the leak and the mold. Request that they repair the AC unit and arrange for professional mold remediation to prevent structural damage and potential health impacts. For severe, recurring, or musty-smelling infestations, a professional inspection with lab testing is the only way to identify the species and ensure it is properly remediated.