AC leak causing mold in JVC rental: landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the main structure and central systems of the property, which includes the AC system and the building envelope. An AC leak leading to mold growth falls squarely under this category.

The exact steps involved are as follows:

1. Immediate Notification: You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best for a paper trail) about the issue immediately. Clearly state the AC leak and the subsequent mold growth. Under the law, they are obligated to address maintenance issues in a timely manner.

2. Document Everything: Before anyone touches anything, take clear, dated photographs and videos of the leak's origin, the water accumulation, and the mold patch. This is crucial evidence for your case.

3. Professional Assessment: For mold, especially visible growth, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. The landlord should arrange this. The inspection will identify the exact cause of the condensate leak (likely a blocked drain line or faulty installation) and assess the extent of the mold contamination, which is often more widespread inside the wall cavity.

4. Remediation Process: Proper mold remediation is a technical process, not just wiping it. It involves containment of the area, removal of affected porous materials (e.g., damaged drywall), HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial treatment, and finally, repairing the AC leak and reinstating the wall. This must be done by a certified company to ensure it's handled safely and effectively.

Do not attempt to clean significant mold yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination. If your landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.

Given the potential health risks and property damage, I strongly recommend you insist on a professional evaluation. For a certified assessment and remediation quote, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.