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

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Law No. 5 of 1985, the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the property's structure and key installations, which definitively includes the central air conditioning system. Since the AC unit leak is the direct and identifiable cause of the mold growth, the financial responsibility for both repairing the AC and the subsequent professional mold remediation falls on the landlord.

You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Provide clear photos of the leak and the mold growth. Under Dubai's rental laws, they are obligated to address this promptly as it constitutes a habitability issue. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, especially black mold, as improper handling can aerosolize toxins and spread contamination throughout the apartment.

For a case like this, a professional inspection is critical. We need to identify the exact mold species and, more importantly, use moisture meters and thermal imaging to assess the full extent of water damage within the wall cavity, which is not visible to the naked eye. Remediation involves containing the area, safe removal of affected materials, and antimicrobial treatment, not just surface cleaning.

For immediate assistance with testing and a formal report for your landlord, you can call our experts at 800-MOLDS or email us at hello@saniservice.com. We can provide the documentation needed to ensure your landlord fulfills their legal obligations.