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

The responsibility depends on the source of the leak. In Dubai, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the main structure of the building, including the external AC drainage lines (the chiller pipework). Tenants are typically responsible for the internal AC unit and the indoor FCU drain pan.

Since the leak has been ongoing and caused structural mold, this is likely beyond a minor repair. The first step is to identify the leak's origin. A clogged condensate drain line from your indoor FCU is a common tenant responsibility. However, if the leak is from the building's central chilled water supply or return lines within the wall, that is the building management's responsibility.

Document the issue with photos and notify both your landlord and building management in writing immediately. In Bur Dubai's older buildings, aging infrastructure can complicate this. A professional inspection can pinpoint the leak source, which determines liability. For the mold, its removal should be handled by a specialist to prevent spores from spreading; simply cleaning the visible patch is insufficient. The high humidity here means hidden mold is a real risk once water is present.