Is AC leak and mold a landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking a small amount of water onto the floor in the guest bedroom closet, and now there's a patch of black mold on the wall behind the unit. This has been slowly getting worse over the last couple of months. As a tenant in Jumeirah Village Circle, am I responsible for cleaning this mold and fixing the chiller leak, or is this something my landlord needs to handle?
Posted by Sultan Hamid
Asked on March 29, 2026 7:46 am
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for major maintenance and structural repairs falls squarely on the landlord. This includes the building's central air conditioning system, known as the chiller, and any associated piping or ductwork that is part of the building's core infrastructure.

The AC leak you described originating from the chiller unit is a prime example of such a structural maintenance issue. The subsequent mold growth is a direct result of that unchecked moisture intrusion. Therefore, your landlord is legally obligated to address both the source of the leak and the resultant mold contamination. As a tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to minor internal maintenance and promptly reporting such issues.

However, this situation requires immediate professional attention. The black mold indicates a persistent moisture problem that won't be solved by simple surface cleaning. The mold colony likely extends into the wall cavity, posing a potential health risk and compromising building materials.

You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, including photos, to start the process. For a proper resolution, a certified mold inspection is crucial to assess the full extent of the contamination and identify the precise point of the chiller leak. Our teams use thermal imaging and moisture meters to pinpoint the source behind walls without unnecessary damage.

For a professional assessment and remediation quote to provide to your landlord, call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We can document everything for your case and handle the entire remediation process to Dubai Municipality standards.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 2:55 pm