AC leak causing mold: landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE Civil Code and Dubai Rental Law, the responsibility for structural maintenance, including the repair of the building's central AC system and any resultant damage to the property structure, typically falls on the landlord. The water leak from your AC unit is a maintenance issue the landlord must address, as it is a fixture of the property.

However, tenant responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness and reporting issues promptly. Since you have discovered the mold, your immediate duty is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about both the AC leak and the mold growth. This notification is crucial for establishing liability and ensuring they take action. Delay in reporting could potentially make you liable for exacerbated damages.

The black mold is a serious health and safety concern. Due to Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use, what you see is often just the surface of a larger contamination within the wall cavity. Disturbing it without proper containment can spread harmful spores throughout your studio.

We strongly recommend a professional mold inspection to assess the full extent of the contamination and identify the moisture source. Our certified inspectors at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to do this without destructive probing. For a situation like this, do not attempt remediation yourself.

For immediate professional assessment and to ensure this is handled correctly according to Dubai regulations, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report for your landlord and a scope of work for the necessary remediation and repairs.