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

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Article 16 of Law No. 26 of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for all major maintenance and repairs related to the structure of the property and its core systems, which includes the central air conditioning unit. A constant leak from the AC is a failure of the building's system, not due to tenant misuse, especially since you are running it consistently.

The resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of that unresolved water intrusion. Landlords in Dubai have a legal obligation to provide a habitable property, and persistent mold issues can breach this. Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to minor maintenance and informing the landlord of such issues in writing immediately.

Given that the black spots are spreading behind furniture, this indicates a significant moisture problem that requires professional attention. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate spore dispersal.

We strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) about both the AC leak and the mold, requesting immediate repair. If they remain uncooperative, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.

For a definitive report to establish liability and the scope of the problem, a professional mold inspection is crucial. Our certified technicians can identify the moisture source, test the mold type, and provide a legally admissible report for the RDC. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an assessment.