AC leaking, worried about hidden mold. Landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

A persistent AC leak almost certainly indicates hidden mold growth within the unit, ductwork, and the wet carpet and underlay. Dubai's high humidity allows mold to colonize damp materials in under 48 hours, and the dark, moist interior of an AC is an ideal breeding ground.

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), your landlord is responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, which includes fixing the AC unit and addressing any resultant damage like mold. A handyman wipe-down is not a remediation.

Document the issue clearly. Take dated photos and videos of the leak and any visible moisture stains. Send a formal written communication (email is best) to the landlord or building management. State the ongoing leak, your concern about microbial growth, and explicitly request they fix the root cause of the leak and conduct a proper assessment for mold.

For a leak of this duration, a professional inspection is warranted to determine the full extent. The fix involves stopping the leak, then properly assessing the contamination. Surface cleaning is insufficient; the internal cooling coils, drip pan, and ductwork likely require professional cleaning. The wet carpet and padding must be lifted, inspected, and likely replaced to prevent ongoing spores and structural damage. A company with microbiological testing can provide documented evidence of the problem and verification that it has been resolved, which is useful for your records with the landlord.