Is the landlord responsible for fixing AC mold?« Back to Previous Page

Good question. This is a very common issue here in Dubai, especially in areas like JVC with the high humidity we've been experiencing. Based on your description, you have a classic case of microbial growth caused by a moisture intrusion from the AC unit.

Regarding responsibility: Under standard UAE tenancy contracts, the structural integrity and maintenance of major building systems, including the central AC unit and its condensate drain lines, fall under the landlord's obligation. Since the leak is the direct cause of the moisture, which led to the mold growth, the landlord is typically responsible for repairing the source of the problem—the leaking AC. The tenant is usually responsible for general upkeep and maintaining good ventilation to prevent issues not caused by a building defect.

However, do not attempt to clean this yourself. The black spots indicate a significant moisture problem behind the wall. Simple wiping will not address the colony growing within the drywall, and disturbing it without proper containment and PPE can aerosolize spores, worsening air quality and the smell. This requires professional assessment and remediation.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the leaking AC and the consequent microbial growth. Request immediate repair of the AC unit and a professional mold inspection. For documentation and a definitive cause-and-effect report, you can engage a company like ours to conduct an independent inspection and moisture mapping. This provides a technical report that clearly outlines the cause (AC leak) and necessary remediation steps, which is very useful if there is any dispute with the landlord.

If the smell is strong and you're concerned about air quality, please get a professional evaluation. We can be reached at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com for an inspection.