AC leak caused black mold; landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Your tenancy contract's lack of clarity is a common issue. Responsibility depends on the source of the leak. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for the maintenance and repair of the main structure and fixed installations, which includes the central AC system and its components. You are typically responsible for damage you cause.

If the leak is due to a blocked condensate drain line—a frequent problem in our humid climate where ACs run constantly—that is considered routine maintenance and often falls to the tenant. However, if the leak stems from a faulty AC unit, broken pipe within the wall, or poor building envelope integrity, that is the landlord's responsibility to fix.

The black mold is a direct result of the water intrusion and must be addressed immediately. Inform your landlord in writing about the leak and the resulting mold, as this is a health and habitability issue. Do not attempt to clean a patch that large yourself; improper remediation can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. For a significant black mold outbreak, a professional inspection is essential to assess the extent of the damage behind walls and under carpets.

Request that the landlord arranges for both the AC repair and a proper mold remediation by a certified company. They should conduct a before-and-after test to verify the spore count has been returned to safe levels. If the landlord refuses, you may need to file a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC), as a landlord is obligated to provide a habitable property. Document everything with photos and dated communications.