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

The AC unit in my bedroom in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit, and now I’ve spotted a patch of black mold on the wall behind the wardrobe. It’s been slowly getting worse over the last month, and I’m worried about my allergies. Is getting this treated the landlord's responsibility, or is it on me to fix since it's near the AC?
Posted by Mei Li
Asked on March 26, 2026 8:21 am
In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold remediation due to an AC leak is typically the landlord's. Under the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes ensuring all major building systems, such as the central air conditioning, are in good working order. An AC unit leaking sufficiently to cause mold growth constitutes a failure of this system.

The persistent humidity and condensation issues inherent to our climate mean that any water intrusion from an AC drain line or chilled water pipe will rapidly lead to microbial growth. The black mold you've described behind the wardrobe is a clear indicator of a persistent moisture source. For your health, especially with existing allergies, this needs immediate attention.

However, your first step should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, as this officially documents the problem and starts the clock on their obligation to respond and rectify it. We strongly recommend you do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize spores and exacerbate allergic reactions and potential health risks.

A professional inspection is crucial to determine the full extent of the mold growth, identify the precise cause of the AC leak, and provide a certified remediation protocol. Our team at Saniservice specializes in such diagnostics and follows UAE standards for safe, effective mold removal. We can provide a detailed report for your landlord, outlining the cause and necessary corrective actions.

For an immediate assessment and to ensure this is handled correctly, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 28, 2026 4:07 pm