Who is responsible for AC leak and mold: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the scenario you've described, the responsibility for the mold remediation and AC repair in your Dubai apartment primarily falls on the landlord. This is a common issue in the UAE, exacerbated by the high humidity and the constant demand placed on AC systems.

The root cause is the AC unit leak, which constitutes a maintenance issue related to the building's structure and installed appliances. Under typical Dubai rental laws (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to maintain the property and ensure it is habitable, which includes the proper functioning of all essential utilities like air conditioning. The resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of this maintenance failure, not tenant misuse. While tenants are responsible for general cleanliness, a leak causing structural moisture intrusion and subsequent mold is the landlord's legal responsibility to rectify. Your action of keeping the AC on constantly is actually a recommended practice in our climate to control humidity and prevent condensation, which works against the landlord's argument.

However, for any legal claim, you must have professional documentation. We strongly recommend you do not attempt to handle this yourself. Disturbing the mold behind the wardrobe can aerosolize spores and contaminate your entire apartment. You require a certified mold inspection to identify the exact species (e.g., Stachybotrys, Aspergillus) and the full extent of the contamination, which is often hidden within walls. This professional report will serve as crucial evidence for your landlord and, if necessary, the Dubai Land Department.

For immediate action, we advise you to call our experts at Saniservice on 800-MOLDS (800-66537). We can conduct a comprehensive assessment, provide a definitive report on the cause, and perform the necessary remediation to ensure your home is safe and healthy.