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

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the property's structure and key installations, including the central air conditioning system and its associated ductwork. The responsibility for the AC unit itself can depend on the tenancy contract. If it is a central chiller system, the landlord is unequivocally responsible. If it is a split unit provided as part of the furnished apartment, it is also typically the landlord's responsibility to ensure it is in good working order and not causing property damage.

Your situation in Jumeirah Village Circle, with a leak causing significant black mold growth, strongly suggests a failure of the AC's condensate drainage system. This is a maintenance issue for the system owner. The tenant's responsibility is typically limited to changing filters and reporting issues promptly, which you have done. The persistent leak and resulting structural water damage and mold growth fall under the landlord's obligation to maintain the property in a habitable condition. Dubai's high humidity exacerbates any moisture issue, leading to rapid mold proliferation like you've described.

You must formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) of the issue again, citing the health hazard and property damage. For a case of this severity, we strongly recommend a professional indoor environmental inspection. A certified mold assessor can identify the exact species (e.g., toxic black mold Stachybotrys) and the full extent of contamination, which is often hidden within walls. This report provides crucial evidence to definitively establish liability and the required scope of remediation.

Do not attempt to remove this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxins. For a professional assessment and certified remediation to resolve this safely, contact Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Our experts can document the cause, provide a definitive report for your landlord, and execute the necessary containment and removal procedures to restore your apartment to a safe condition.