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

Based on the Dubai Rental Law and standard tenancy contract stipulations, the responsibility is typically divided. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the structural integrity of the property, which includes the building's walls and the fixed installations within it. The persistent AC leak, which has now caused visible microbial growth on the wardrobe and likely the wall behind it, points to a maintenance issue with the building's infrastructure that is the landlord's responsibility to rectify.

However, the tenant is responsible for the routine maintenance and cleaning of appliances, including the AC unit's filters. The landlord's claim that AC maintenance is your responsibility refers to this routine upkeep. A minor, one-time leak might fall to the tenant if it was due to a clogged drain line from lack of cleaning. But a leak persisting for months suggests a more significant issue, such as a faulty drain pan, cracked condensation line, or improper installation—all of which are the landlord's duty to repair.

Given the climate in Dubai, with extreme humidity and year-round AC use, condensation issues are a primary cause of mold. The black spots you describe are highly indicative of Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (black mold), which require professional assessment. This is a serious case as the moisture has likely penetrated the wall cavity.

You must formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue, citing the potential for structural damage and health concerns. For a definitive assessment of liability and the extent of contamination, a professional mold inspection is critical. We at Saniservice provide certified inspections that include moisture mapping and air quality testing to identify the source and species of mold, producing a report that can be used to determine liability. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize spores. For immediate advice and to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.