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

The AC in our Jumeirah Village apartment seems to be leaking into the wall behind it, and now there's a huge patch of black mold spreading there. It's been getting worse since the humidity spiked a couple of weeks ago. We’ve been renting this place for over a year and our contract is up for renewal soon. Who is responsible for fixing this and the mold removal—is it me as the tenant or is my landlord supposed to handle it?
Posted by Sakura Nakamura
Asked on March 30, 2026 7:14 am
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the landlord is typically responsible for the maintenance of the property's structural elements and essential services. This includes the central air conditioning system and the building envelope. An AC unit leaking into the wall is considered a structural and maintenance issue directly related to the property's fixtures, making it the landlord's responsibility to rectify.

The resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of this unresolved moisture issue. Therefore, the remediation of the mold, once the source of the leak is fixed, also falls under the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable and safe premises. Given the climate in Dubai, where high humidity and year-round AC use can rapidly accelerate mold proliferation from any water intrusion, this is a serious matter that requires immediate professional attention. A patch of black mold spreading inside a wall cavity indicates a significant and potentially hazardous infestation that goes beyond surface cleaning.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, detailing the issue and requesting urgent repairs and mold remediation. Do not renew your contract until this critical health and safety issue is fully resolved by a certified professional.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly according to Dubai Municipality standards, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our team at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment, identify the exact extent of the mold, and provide a certified remediation protocol. You can call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. Presenting your landlord with a professional report will clarify the severity and the required solution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 12:03 pm