Is landlord responsible for AC leak and mold?« Back to Previous Page

We've lived in this Jumeirah villa for 2 years and just noticed a huge patch of black mold spreading on the wall behind our wardrobe. The dehumidifier runs constantly, but the AC unit in that room has been leaking on and off for months. Is the landlord responsible for fixing the AC leak and the mold remediation, or is this on me to handle?
Posted by Agnieszka Lopez
Asked on March 22, 2026 2:03 am
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and the functionality of its core systems, which explicitly includes air conditioning. A chronic AC leak constitutes a failure of a provided appliance, and the resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of that failure. The landlord is therefore typically obligated to address both the source of the moisture (the AC repair) and the resulting damage (the mold remediation).

The persistent humidity in Dubai, combined with a continuous moisture source from a leaking AC unit, creates an ideal environment for aggressive mold colonization like what you've described behind the wardrobe. This is a serious case; a "huge patch" of black mold indicates a significant and long-standing moisture issue that requires professional assessment. Do not attempt to handle this yourself, as disturbing it can aerosolize harmful spores throughout your villa.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about both the AC leak and the extensive mold growth, requesting immediate professional remediation. It is crucial to document everything with photographs and written communication.

For a situation of this severity, we strongly recommend a professional inspection to determine the full extent of the contamination, identify the exact mold species, and create a certified remediation protocol. Our team at Saniservice is equipped with the technical expertise and UAE-specific experience to provide a comprehensive assessment and execute the necessary containment, removal, and hygienization procedures to ensure your villa is safe. Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate consultation.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 23, 2026 9:30 pm