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

In the UAE, particularly in Dubai's climate, AC units are essential for managing high humidity and are a central part of the property's infrastructure. The legal responsibility for maintenance and repair of fixed appliances like an AC unit typically falls on the landlord under Dubai Rental Law. The tenant's obligation is to report any issues promptly, which you have done by identifying the leak.

The landlord's claim that insufficient AC usage caused the mold is technically flawed. While running the AC helps control humidity, the primary cause is the mechanical failure of the AC unit itself—the leak. This failure allowed condensation to accumulate, creating the damp environment that enabled mold growth beneath the carpet. The tenant cannot be held responsible for a pre-existing or developing fault in the landlord's equipment.

Therefore, the landlord is legally responsible for fixing the AC leak, the subsequent mold remediation, and replacing the damaged carpet. This is a serious issue; the black mold patch indicates significant water intrusion and potential health risks. Do not attempt to handle this yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxic spores.

We strongly recommend you insist on a professional mold inspection and remediation company like Saniservice. Our certified experts can conduct a thorough assessment, provide a detailed report for your landlord, and safely execute the necessary containment, removal, and hygienization processes to ensure the environment is safe. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.