Is my landlord responsible for fixing mold from AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our Jumeirah Village apartment has been leaking into the wall behind it for a couple of months, and now my son’s asthma has gotten way worse, with a constant wheeze. I’ve wiped down the black spots around the unit myself, but the dampness and that weird smell keep coming back. Is this something I need to fix, or is my landlord legally responsible for dealing with the mold remediation to make the place safe?
Posted by Klaus Kowalski
Asked on March 9, 2026 3:21 am
This is a serious situation that requires immediate attention, especially given your son's exacerbated asthma. The black spots you're seeing and the persistent damp smell are classic indicators of an active mold colony, likely Aspergillus or Cladosporium, which are common in Dubai due to our high humidity and AC-related moisture issues.

In the UAE, the landlord's responsibility for such repairs is typically outlined in the rental contract, often referencing Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended). Generally, the landlord is responsible for the structural integrity of the property and maintaining the main building systems, which includes the central AC unit and the building envelope. A leak originating from the AC unit itself or its condensate drain line is considered a fault of the building's system, making it the landlord's obligation to repair the source of the water intrusion. Simply wiping the visible mold is a temporary fix; the water source MUST be stopped and the saturated wall cavity professionally remediated to eliminate the spores causing the health issues.

For your child's safety, I strongly recommend you stop DIY cleaning and request a professional indoor environmental inspection. We can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels, which is critical data for both health reasons and to formally present to your landlord. The constant moisture means the mold is growing inside the wall, releasing mycotoxins and allergens into your air, directly impacting respiratory health.

Please contact us for a comprehensive assessment. We can provide the official report you may need to enforce your landlord's responsibility.

Call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. Your family's health is paramount.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 10, 2026 3:55 pm