Who is responsible for mold from a leaking AC?« Back to Previous Page

The AC unit in my bedroom in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit for over a month, and now I’m seeing black spots on the wall behind the curtain. My allergies have been way worse lately and I’m worried it’s mold. Who is legally responsible for fixing this and the cleanup, me or my landlord?
Posted by Pooja Thakur
Asked on April 4, 2026 5:50 am
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance of the property's structural elements and essential services, which includes the central air conditioning system and the building envelope. A leaking AC unit is a maintenance issue that falls under the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable property. The resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of this unresolved water intrusion.

The black spots you describe are highly indicative of active mold colonization, a common issue in Dubai due to the high humidity and constant AC use, which creates significant condensation. Your exacerbated allergies are a classic health symptom of mold exposure, which can include respiratory issues, sinus congestion, and skin irritation. Prolonged exposure to certain mycotoxins can lead to more severe health complications.

For your health and to properly resolve the issue, I strongly recommend you take two immediate actions. First, formally notify your landlord in writing about the leak and the visible mold, giving them a reasonable timeframe to rectify the issue as per your tenancy contract. Second, contact a professional mold inspection company like Saniservice. A certified assessment is critical to determine the full extent of the contamination, identify the mold species, and create a scope of work for the landlord's contractor to follow. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper remediation can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. For a professional inspection and detailed report, call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 6, 2026 12:07 pm