Is fixing a leaking AC and mold my tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be leaking a bit of water, and now I've found a patch of black mold on the wall behind the bedroom curtain. It's been getting worse since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. I've told my landlord, but he says it's our responsibility because we run the AC too cold. Is cleaning this mold and fixing the leak actually our job as tenants?
Posted by Miguel Dubois
Asked on March 30, 2026 7:30 am
As a certified mold inspector and remediation specialist operating in Dubai, I can provide a definitive answer based on UAE tenancy law and building science. The responsibility for fixing a leaking AC unit and the resulting mold growth almost always falls on the landlord, not the tenant.

The core issue is the AC leak, which is a maintenance problem related to the property's fixture (the AC unit). Under Dubai's rental laws (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential systems, including air conditioning. Your landlord's claim that running the AC "too cold" caused the leak is technically inaccurate. While setting a very low temperature in Dubai's extreme humidity can increase condensation, a properly functioning AC system is designed to handle this and drain the condensate effectively. A leak indicates a blockage in the drain line, a faulty drain pan, or improper installation—all maintenance issues.

The mold is a direct consequence of this unresolved moisture intrusion. Due to our climate, any persistent dampness will lead to microbial growth within 24-48 hours. Simply cleaning the visible patch is insufficient and potentially hazardous; the root cause (the leak) must be fixed first, followed by professional assessment and remediation of the mold to ensure it hasn't spread inside the wall cavity. Disturbing it without proper containment can aerosolize spores and contaminate your entire apartment.

For your health and to properly resolve this, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our team at Saniservice can conduct a thorough assessment, identify the exact source of the leak, perform precise mold testing, and provide a formal report you can present to your landlord, outlining the necessary corrective actions. Do not attempt to handle significant mold growth yourself.

For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 1, 2026 3:35 pm