Who is responsible for mold from an AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation stemming from an AC leak is typically defined by the tenancy contract and the Civil Code. The landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance and structural integrity of the property, including the building's central AC system and any fixed appliances like a split unit provided with the apartment. Since the leak is from the AC itself, a fixture, the landlord is legally obligated to repair the leak, which is the source of the moisture problem.

However, the tenant is responsible for reporting issues in a timely manner and for any damage caused by negligence or failure to report. Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord and building management in writing (email is best for a paper trail), detailing the issue with photographs. This officially documents your report and starts the clock on their responsibility to respond.

Given the climate in Dubai, with high humidity and year-round AC use, a leak creates a perfect environment for rapid mold proliferation like the Aspergillus or Cladosporium you’re likely seeing. This is a serious case; the mold is inside the wall cavity, requiring professional inspection and remediation. DIY cleaning is ineffective and can aerosolize spores, worsening the contamination.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly, I recommend contacting a professional service. Saniservice specializes in mold inspection, moisture mapping, and IAQ testing to provide a certified report, which can be crucial for liaising with your landlord. They can be reached at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.