Is mold fomr AC leak tenant or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Your situation is very common in Dubai due to the high humidity and constant AC use. The responsibility for remediation hinges on the cause.

Generally, the landlord is responsible for fixing the source of the problem, which is the leaking AC unit and any resulting structural damage to the wall. As a tenant, you are typically responsible for general upkeep and reporting issues promptly. You have done this by identifying the leak and the mold growth.

However, wiping mold with bleach is a temporary fix that often makes it return stronger, as you've seen, because it doesn't address the moisture source or remove the root structure. The persistent damp smell confirms an active moisture problem.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the AC leak and the recurring mold. Under typical Dubai rental agreements, they are obligated to repair the AC to prevent further damage. For the mold remediation itself, the responsibility to pay for it is usually negotiated; the landlord may cover it since it's a direct result of a maintenance issue they need to fix, or you may share costs. The key is to get a professional inspection to confirm the extent. A proper assessment from a company with microbiological testing can identify the species and the precise moisture source, which provides concrete evidence for your landlord and ensures the remediation protocol is correct for the mold type, something bleach cannot accomplish.

Until it's resolved, improve ventilation in the room as much as possible and keep the area dry to help slow the spread.