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

The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a little, and now we've found a patch of black mold behind the wardrobe. We’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment for about a year, and my husband's allergies have been awful this past month. Is the landlord responsible for the cleanup and fixing the AC, or is that on us as tenants?
Posted by Sandra Jackson
Asked on March 15, 2026 10:46 am
In the UAE, specifically Dubai, landlord-tenant responsibilities for maintenance are clearly outlined under Law No. 26 of 2007, as amended by Law No. 33 of 2008. The landlord is unequivocally responsible for the maintenance of the property's main structural elements and core systems, which includes the central air conditioning system and any resultant damage from its failure. Since the black mold growth is a direct consequence of an AC unit leak, the responsibility for remediating both the mold and repairing the faulty AC falls on your landlord.

The presence of Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) is a significant health concern, particularly in Dubai's humid climate where AC systems are critical for controlling indoor moisture. Your husband's exacerbated allergies are a classic symptom of mold exposure, which can also lead to respiratory issues, sinus congestion, and headaches. This is not a situation for DIY cleaning; improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores, drastically increasing airborne contamination and health risks.

You must formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue, citing the relevant tenancy law, and request immediate professional remediation. For a case like this, a certified mold inspection is essential to determine the full extent of contamination, often hidden within walls or under flooring. We strongly recommend our services at Saniservice. Our certified experts conduct comprehensive assessments, including air quality sampling, and execute containment-based remediation protocols to safely remove the biological hazard and restore your indoor air quality. Please contact us for an immediate professional assessment at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 17, 2026 11:41 am