Landlord responsibility for AC leak mold in Dubai??« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit, and now I've discovered a patch of black mold in the closet it backs onto. My landlord is saying it's our fault for not maintaining the AC, but we get it serviced annually. The humidity has been awful lately and it's definitely gotten worse over the past month.
Who is legally responsible for the mold removal here, us or the landlord?
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Landlords in Dubai are generally responsible for structural maintenance and repairs, including issues with AC systems that are part of the property. Since the leak originates from the AC unit, the responsibility to fix the leak and address the resulting mold damage typically falls on the landlord.
Your annual AC servicing works in your favor, as it demonstrates you've upheld your tenant obligation for routine maintenance. The extreme humidity in Dubai is a well-known contributing factor to condensation and mold growth, especially when an AC unit develops a leak. Document everything: take clear photos of the leak, the mold patch, and your AC service records. For a definitive resolution, a professional inspection is key. An independent assessment can verify the leak's source and confirm the mold type and extent. This documented evidence is what you would present to the landlord to substantiate your claim. If the landlord remains uncooperative, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre (RDSC) in Dubai, providing them with your evidence and the inspection report. |
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