Is landlord responsible for AC leak and mold repair?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a bit for a couple of months, and now we’ve found black mold spreading on the wall behind the wardrobe. We’re in a rented apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle and our contract is pretty standard. Are we responsible for fixing the AC and cleaning the mold, or is this something the landlord has to handle?
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Based on the scenario you've described in your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment, the responsibility for the AC leak and subsequent mold remediation almost certainly falls on the landlord. Under standard tenancy contracts in Dubai (Law No. 26 of 2007, amended by Law No. 33 of 2008), the landlord is obligated to maintain the property's structure and essential services, which includes the central air conditioning system and the building envelope. A leaking AC unit is a failure of a provided appliance, and the resulting moisture intrusion that led to the mold growth is a direct consequence of that failure.
The black mold behind the wardrobe is a significant concern. This type of hidden growth indicates a prolonged moisture issue, and the spores can negatively impact indoor air quality. Dubai's high humidity and year-round reliance on AC create a perfect environment for mold to thrive if a moisture source like a leak is present. Simply wiping the visible mold is insufficient; the source must be repaired and the affected area must be professionally remediated to prevent recurrence and ensure all spores are addressed. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the AC leak and the discovered mold, as this is a breach of their maintenance obligations. We strongly recommend you do not attempt to handle this yourself. A professional inspection is critical to assess the full extent of the mold contamination behind the wall and to provide a certified report, which can be used to ensure the landlord completes the repairs correctly. For a comprehensive mold inspection, testing, and a full remediation protocol, we advise you to contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our certified team can document the issue for your landlord and provide the necessary professional solutions to restore your apartment to a safe and healthy condition. |
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