Are we responsible for black mold from hidden AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the scenario you've described, this is a highly common issue in Dubai due to our year-round AC usage, high humidity, and condensation problems. The central question of liability hinges on the core principle of "hidden defect."

From a technical and regulatory standpoint, the landlord is typically responsible for the structural integrity of the property and the maintenance of fixed installations, including the AC system and its drainage lines. A leak originating from the AC unit, which is a provision of the landlord, is fundamentally a maintenance issue. The fact that the leak was concealed behind furniture, making it impossible to notice through casual observation, strongly supports that this is a latent (hidden) defect. Tenants are not expected to move heavy furniture regularly to inspect for such issues. Your responsibility would generally be to report visible issues in a timely manner, which you did upon discovery.

The black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum or other toxigenic species) is a direct consequence of this unresolved moisture intrusion. Mold remediation in this case is not a simple cleaning task; it requires addressing the source of the moisture (fixing the AC leak and drain pan), followed by professional assessment and removal of the contaminated materials to prevent spore dispersion and health risks.

We strongly recommend you insist on a professional mold inspection. Our certified teams at Saniservice use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the exact leak source and assess the full extent of the mold growth within the wall cavity, which is often far greater than what is visible. This provides a definitive, expert report that can be used to clarify responsibilities with the landlord or building management.

For immediate assistance and to schedule a comprehensive inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate the contamination.