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

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation stemming from an AC leak is typically governed by the rental contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended (the 'Dubai Rental Law'). The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the main structure of the property and its core systems, which includes the central air conditioning system and the building's waterproofing integrity. Therefore, if the black mold in your Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment is a direct result of a faulty AC unit or a leak in the AC condensation line within the building's structure, the financial responsibility for the investigation and remediation falls upon the landlord.

However, you must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing of the issue immediately. They are obligated to address it within a reasonable timeframe. Be aware that if the mold growth is determined to be a result of tenant negligence—such as a failure to run the AC consistently in our extreme humidity, leading to condensation buildup, or blocking ventilation—the cost responsibility could shift to you.

Given the circumstances you describe—a spreading patch and a musty odor indicative of a hidden leak—this is a serious case requiring professional intervention. DIY attempts can exacerbate spore dispersal. The remediation process must begin with a certified mold inspection, including thermal imaging to pinpoint the moisture source and air/o-surface sampling to identify the species and concentration. This technical report is crucial for determining liability and the scope of corrective work.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled to Dubai Municipality standards, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive inspection. We will provide the necessary documentation to present to your landlord and can execute the full containment and hygienization process.