Is AC leak and mold landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a bit of water for a while, but now there's a patch of black mold growing on the wall right next to the chiller unit. We've lived in this Discovery Gardens apartment for 2 years and just noticed it getting worse over the last month. Is fixing the leak and cleaning the mold the landlord's responsibility, or is this on me as the tenant to handle?
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Based on Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, also known as the 'Law of Ownership of Jointly Owned Properties in the Emirate of Dubai', the responsibility for maintenance is generally split between the owner and tenant.
The structural integrity of the building, including the main AC chiller unit, chilled water pipes, and the external wall structure, is the legal responsibility of the landlord or the building's Owners' Association. The leak you're describing, originating from the AC unit itself, is a maintenance issue for the property owner to rectify. However, as a tenant, you have a responsibility to report any such issues in a timely manner. Since you've noted the leak has been ongoing "for a while," you must formally notify your landlord or property management company immediately in writing. Failure to report a problem can sometimes shift liability for resulting damages onto the tenant. The black mold is a direct consequence of the moisture from the leak. While the landlord is responsible for fixing the source of the problem (the leak), the remediation of the mold may fall into a gray area. In many cases, the landlord will arrange for both repairs. The mold needs to be professionally assessed; improper cleaning can aerosolize spores and spread the contamination. For a situation like this in Discovery Gardens, we strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the full extent of the mold growth, which is often more widespread than what's visible. Our certified team can provide a detailed report for your landlord, outlining the cause and the necessary remediation protocol. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can document everything for you to present to the property owner. |
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