AC leak causing black mold, whose responsibility to fix?« Back to Previous Page

Good afternoon from Dubai. This is a very common issue we see here, especially with the high humidity and constant AC use. As a certified mold inspector, let me break down the responsibilities and the immediate steps you need to take.

The black spots are almost certainly mold, likely Stachybotrys or Cladosporium, triggered by the moisture from the AC leak. In the UAE, the responsibility for repairs is typically defined by the tenancy contract. Generally, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property and the maintenance of major installed systems, including the central AC unit and its condensate drain lines. The tenant is usually responsible for reporting issues in a timely manner and for any damage resulting from their own negligence.

Your immediate responsibility is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) about the leak and the emerging mold growth. Cite your contract and mention that prolonged moisture can lead to structural damage, which becomes far more costly for them. While you wait for a response, move the curtain away to promote air circulation and wipe the area with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to mitigate surface growth—wear a mask and gloves.

However, this is a temporary fix. The source—the AC leak—MUST be repaired by the landlord's maintenance team to prevent recurrence. If the mold is already visible and the landlord is unresponsive, we strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection. We can identify the exact species and the extent of the infestation, often hidden inside the wall, and provide a formal report that can expedite landlord action.

For a certified inspection and remediation quote, please call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Don't let this worsen; it's a health and property integrity issue.