Who is responsible for mold remediation form AC leak?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a bit for a couple of weeks, and now I’m starting to see black spots spreading on the wall behind the headboard. We’ve had the humidity set pretty high, but I’m not sure if fixing the leak or dealing with the mold is my responsibility or the landlord's. Who is legally responsible for arranging and paying for the mold remediation in this situation?
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The responsibility typically falls on the landlord, as UAE tenancy law requires them to maintain the property's structure and essential services, which includes the fixed AC unit and its condensate drain line. The leak is a maintenance issue they must address.
Your immediate action should be to notify the landlord or property management company in writing, including photos of the leak and the black spots. This creates a formal record. For health reasons, avoid disturbing the mold to prevent spreading spores. While the landlord fixes the leak, the mold remediation responsibility can depend on the cause. If the leak was due to a lack of maintenance on their part, they are generally responsible for the resulting damage repair. However, if the humidity was set excessively high for a prolonged period, contributing to condensation, this could become a point of discussion. Given Dubai's high humidity, what begins as a small leak often leads to widespread mold behind walls. A professional inspection is crucial to assess the full extent, as the visible spots are frequently just the surface issue. The landlord might arrange this, but you can recommend a company with a microbiology lab to provide a detailed, evidence-based report on the contamination level, which clarifies the necessary remediation scope for all parties. |
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