Is the landlord responsible for black mold from AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and fixing major defects, which includes the root cause of your mold issue: the faulty AC unit and subsequent water leakage. The persistent dampness you describe is a direct result of this maintenance failure.

However, the responsibility for addressing the mold growth itself can become a grey area. While the landlord must fix the leak, the remediation of the mold may fall to you if it's argued that you did not report the moisture issue in a timely manner. Given that the mold is extensive ("long, black mold creeping") and located behind furniture, indicating a prolonged issue, it is critical you act immediately.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the AC leak and the consequent mold growth, giving them a reasonable timeframe to address the structural repair. For the mold itself, I strongly advise against DIY remediation. Disturbing this type of growth can aerosolize toxins and spread spores throughout your apartment. This requires professional assessment and containment.

We highly recommend you call a certified mold inspector to document the extent of the contamination and its cause. This provides crucial evidence for your landlord and ensures the remediation is done safely and effectively. For immediate assistance with inspection and testing, you can reach our experts at 800-MOLDS or 800-66537.