Is AC leak mold cleanup landlord's or tenant's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The responsibility depends on the source of the leak and the terms of your tenancy contract. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structure of the property and the major systems within it, including the central AC system and its components. Since the leak originates from the AC unit itself, this is typically a maintenance issue for the property owner to rectify.

You should notify your landlord or property management company immediately in writing, detailing the leak and the resulting mold growth. Under Dubai's rental laws, they are obligated to address repairs that affect the habitability of the unit. However, the tenant is responsible for reporting issues in a timely manner to prevent further damage. A delay of a couple of months could complicate matters, as the landlord may argue that prompt reporting would have minimized the damage.

For the mold cleanup, do not attempt to clean it yourself. The black spots indicate a moisture problem that has been ongoing. In Dubai's climate, this kind of persistent dampness behind an AC unit can lead to widespread mold colonization, including species like Aspergillus that are common here. The wall cavity likely requires professional assessment and remediation to prevent recurrence and ensure spores are not spread throughout the room.

Your first step is to formally report it to the landlord and request both an AC repair and a professional mold inspection. The inspection will determine the extent of the damage and what remediation is needed, which should be the landlord's responsibility to undertake.