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

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking into the wall behind it in our Jumeirah Village Triangle bedroom, and now there's a huge black mold patch spreading. The landlord is saying it's our fault for not setting the temperature correctly, but we've had it at 24 like everyone else. Who is actually responsible for fixing this, the landlord or us as tenants?
Posted by Ajay Yadav
Asked on April 5, 2026 12:26 pm
Based on UAE tenancy law and the specific climate conditions in Dubai, the responsibility for this type of repair almost certainly falls on the landlord.

The core issue is a defect in the property's structure or installed systems—in this case, the air conditioning unit. Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended), the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property and ensure it is habitable. This includes the maintenance and repair of all central fixtures like the AC system. A leaking AC unit is a mechanical failure that constitutes a defect in the property itself. The resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of that failure.

The landlord's claim regarding temperature setting is a common but incorrect argument. While setting an extremely low temperature in high humidity can cause condensation, a properly functioning AC unit in Dubai's climate is designed to handle standard settings like 24°C without leaking into the wall cavity. This leak indicates a problem such as a blocked drain line, faulty installation, or a cracked drain pan—all maintenance issues for the property owner.

Given the presence of a "huge black mold patch," this is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. Mold from AC leaks can spread rapidly through wall cavities, posing potential health risks and causing significant structural damage. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize spores and worsen contamination.

I strongly recommend you contact a professional mold inspection and remediation company like Saniservice. Our certified experts can conduct a thorough inspection to identify the exact source of the leak, assess the full extent of the mold growth (often far more than what is visible), and provide a detailed report. This report is crucial evidence to formally present to your landlord, outlining the necessary repairs and remediation, which are their legal responsibility.

For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537 to schedule an inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 7, 2026 4:18 am