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

This is a very common issue here in Dubai, especially during the high humidity months. From a technical standpoint, the responsibility typically falls under two separate categories: the appliance and the resulting damage.

The AC unit itself, as a fixture provided by the landlord, is generally their responsibility to repair and maintain according to standard tenancy contracts here in the UAE. The persistent leak is a mechanical or drainage issue that needs a professional HVAC technician to address—simply wiping the water is a temporary fix that does not solve the root cause.

However, the mold growth is a secondary consequence of that leak. The black patch you're seeing is likely Stachybotrys chartarum or a similar toxigenic species, which thrives on the cellulose in your drywall that has been chronically wet. This poses a potential health risk and requires proper remediation. While you are responsible for general cleanliness, a mold infestation caused by a structural or appliance failure is typically the landlord's responsibility to rectify.

I strongly recommend you do two things immediately:

1. Notify your landlord or property management company in writing about both the AC leak and the mold growth. This creates a formal record of the issue.
2. Request a professional mold inspection. The visible patch is often just the "tip of the iceberg," and the moisture can have wicked up the wall cavity, causing hidden growth. DIY cleaning with bleach is ineffective and can aggravate the spores.

Our teams use thermal imaging and moisture meters to assess the full extent of the damage behind the walls, which is crucial for proper remediation. This is not just about cleaning; it's about restoring a healthy indoor environment.

For a definitive assessment and to get the proper documentation for your landlord, you can call our experts at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We provide detailed inspection reports that can clearly outline the cause and scope of work needed, which is very useful for these landlord-tenant discussions.