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

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the property's main structural elements and essential services, which includes the central air conditioning system and the building envelope. Since the mold growth is a direct result of an AC unit leak, this is a structural maintenance issue that falls under the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable property.

The persistent humidity we experience in Dubai creates a perfect environment for mold, especially when combined with a moisture source like an AC leak. The black mold you've described indicates a significant moisture problem that requires immediate attention. You should urgently report this in writing to your landlord or property management company. Document the issue with clear photographs and a detailed description. This is not just a cleaning issue; the root cause (the AC leak) must be repaired first to prevent immediate regrowth.

Attempting to clean this yourself is not advisable. Disturbing the mold can aerosolize spores, potentially causing health issues and spreading the contamination. Furthermore, without professional-grade equipment like HEPA filtration and antimicrobial agents, a DIY approach will likely be ineffective.

We strongly recommend a professional inspection to assess the full extent of the mold growth, which can often spread behind walls. Our certified team at Saniservice can provide a comprehensive assessment, identify the exact species of mold, and create a remediation plan to safely remove it after the AC leak is fixed. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.