AC leak causing mold: landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai law, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, including fixing AC leaks that cause mold. Your tenancy contract likely states the landlord must provide a habitable property, and a leaking AC unit that leads to fungal growth falls under that obligation.

The landlord's claim that running the AC "too cold" causes the leak is incorrect. While condensation is normal, a persistent leak indicates a malfunction in the unit's drainage system—a maintenance issue, not a usage one. The extreme outdoor heat and high humidity in JVC make AC use essential, and systems are designed to handle this demand.

Your immediate steps should be to document everything. Take clear, dated photos and videos of the leak, the spreading black spots, and any visible damage. Send a formal written notification to your landlord and property management company, reiterating the issue and their responsibility to rectify it under Dubai rental law.

For a case with visible spreading, a professional inspection is advised to assess the mold type and the leak's source. This provides a documented report you can use to ensure the remediation addresses the root cause, not just the surface stains. The fix requires repairing the AC drain line and properly remediating the affected wall to prevent regrowth.