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

In the UAE, specifically under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for maintenance is clearly defined. The landlord is obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes the structural integrity and the proper functioning of major installed systems like air conditioning. An AC leak is a failure of the building's fixture, and the resulting mold growth is a direct consequence of that failure.

The landlord's argument regarding delayed reporting is a common one but often holds little weight, especially if the leak was concealed (e.g., behind a wardrobe). The onus is on them to prove negligence on your part. Given Dubai's high humidity and the propensity for condensation issues within AC systems, leaks are a known and foreseeable issue that landlords must address proactively.

For a case like this in Discovery Gardens, a professional inspection is critical. A certified mold assessor can determine the extent of the contamination, identify the moisture source (confirming it's the AC leak), and provide a legally defensible report. This evidence is paramount in disputes with landlords.

The remediation itself, including repairing the AC drain line, addressing the mold colony within the wall cavity, and restoring the affected area, is unequivocally the landlord's financial responsibility. For a comprehensive technical inspection and certified remediation protocol that meets Dubai Municipality standards, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to document the issue properly and ensure it is resolved safely and effectively.