Who is responsible for AC mold in my apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Excellent question, and a very common issue we see here in Dubai, especially in areas like Jumeirah with the high humidity. Let's break down the responsibility and the technical aspects.

Based on UAE tenancy law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for maintenance generally falls into two categories. The landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property and the main systems, which includes the central AC unit itself, the main ductwork, and the condensation drain lines. You, as the tenant, are typically responsible for the day-to-day upkeep and changing of filters.

The black speckles you describe are almost certainly microbial growth, likely Stachybotrys or Cladosporium, fueled by the constant moisture from the leak. This is a health concern and needs immediate attention.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the AC leak and the resulting mold. This establishes a record. They are obligated to fix the source of the leak—the primary cause. However, the remediation of the mold on the wall is often a gray area. If the mold growth is a direct result of their failure to maintain the AC system in a timely manner, they should cover the cost of the professional cleaning.

I strongly advise against a DIY approach here. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize the spores throughout your bedroom. This requires professional assessment to determine the penetration depth into the building materials. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find the full extent of the water damage, followed by controlled remediation with HEPA filtration.

For a proper inspection and a certified report you can present to your landlord, give us a call at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. We can document the cause and provide the necessary professional remediation quote.