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

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a little onto the carpet for a couple of months, and now I'm seeing a pretty bad black mold spot spreading out from the wall behind the wardrobe. We're in a rental apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle, and our contract is up for renewal soon. Am I responsible for the cost of the mold remediation, or is this something the landlord has to fix since it's related to the AC unit?
Posted by Giuseppe Durand
Asked on March 28, 2026 5:10 pm
Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and major systems of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system and any resulting damage from its failure. Since the mold growth is a direct result of an AC unit leak, this is almost certainly the landlord's financial responsibility to remediate.

However, the situation is nuanced. You have a duty to report maintenance issues promptly. A leak ongoing for "a couple of months" could be argued as a failure to notify in a timely manner, potentially making you liable for any exacerbated damage. The hidden location behind the wardrobe also complicates immediate discovery.

For a case like this in JVC, you MUST take action immediately. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold yourself. Disturbing it can aerosolize toxic spores throughout your apartment. This requires professional assessment and remediation.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord/property management company in writing about the AC leak and the subsequent mold growth, including clear photographs. Request immediate repairs to the AC unit and a professional mold inspection.

For the inspection and remediation, we strongly recommend you call a certified professional. The assessment will determine the full extent of the contamination and provide a official report that can be used with your landlord. You can reach our team for a comprehensive inspection and quote at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or via hello@saniservice.com.

Address this before your renewal to ensure it's resolved and to clarify responsibility for any costs.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 29, 2026 9:52 pm