Who pays for AC leak and mold cleanup in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking a bit of water onto the carpet in my master bedroom closet. It's been doing this on and off for the last couple of months, and now I’ve found a pretty large patch of black mold spreading on the wall behind the clothes. Who is responsible for fixing this and paying for the cleanup, me as the tenant or my landlord in Dubai?
Posted by Nasser El-Sayed
Asked on April 1, 2026 5:17 pm
Based on Dubai's rental law, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007, the responsibility for maintenance falls upon the property owner. This includes the structural integrity of the building and the maintenance of major installations like the central air conditioning system. The AC leak is a clear maintenance issue, and therefore the landlord is legally obligated to repair the leaking unit to prevent further damage.

However, the situation with the resulting mold can be more nuanced. While the landlord is responsible for fixing the source of the water intrusion (the AC leak), the tenant is typically responsible for routine cleaning and upkeep of the interior space. If the mold growth is a direct and immediate result of the landlord's failure to address a reported maintenance issue in a timely manner, then the liability for the mold remediation often shifts to the landlord. It is crucial that you have documented evidence of having notified your landlord or property management company about the AC leak previously.

Given the climate in Dubai, with its extreme humidity and year-round reliance on AC, moisture issues must be addressed immediately to prevent rapid mold proliferation like you've described. A patch of black mold behind walls indicates a serious, established problem that requires professional assessment and remediation.

We strongly recommend you contact your landlord in writing immediately, reiterating the issue. For a problem of this scale, a professional inspection is non-negotiable to determine the full extent of the contamination and to provide a formal report that can be used to establish liability. Our certified team at Saniservice specializes in mold inspection, testing, and IECC-compliant remediation in the UAE. We can provide the detailed documentation needed to resolve the situation correctly and safely.

For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 4, 2026 3:36 am