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

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its major systems, including the central air conditioning unit. The persistent AC leak is the root cause of the mold growth, which places the primary responsibility on the landlord to rectify both the mechanical fault and the resulting microbial contamination.

However, the delay in reporting the initial leak for two months can complicate the situation. Under the law, a tenant is obligated to inform the landlord of any defects in a timely manner to prevent further damage. Your failure to report the minor leak immediately could be argued as contributory negligence, potentially making you liable for a portion of the remediation costs, though the core responsibility for the AC repair and structural damage likely remains with the landlord.

Given the extent of the "huge patch" of black mold, this is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. In Dubai's high humidity climate, hidden mold from AC condensation can proliferate rapidly, posing significant health risks and potentially compromising the building materials. Do not attempt to handle this yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic spores.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about both the AC malfunction and the discovered mold, including photographic evidence. We strongly recommend you insist on a professional mold inspection from a certified company like Saniservice to assess the full extent of the contamination and provide a scope of work for proper remediation. For immediate advice and to schedule an inspection, please call 800-MOLDS or 800-66537.