Is black mold from AC leak my or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my bedroom closet has been leaking a little for a couple of months, and now I’ve found black mold spreading on the wall behind my clothes. I’ve wiped it down with vinegar but it keeps coming back, and my landlord says fixing the AC unit is my problem. Is the mold remediation my responsibility or the landlord's since the leak is from a built-in fixture?
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Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the responsibility for maintenance of major fixtures, including central air conditioning systems and the structural integrity of the property, falls upon the landlord. Since the black mold growth is a direct result of a leak from a built-in AC unit, which is a permanent fixture, the remediation of the mold and the repair of the AC leak are almost certainly the landlord's legal obligation.
The persistent black mold you describe is not a surface issue; it is a symptom of an ongoing moisture problem. Wiping it with vinegar is a temporary and ineffective solution for a systemic issue. The mold has likely penetrated the wall's porous materials (drywall, plaster). In Dubai's high-humidity climate, this creates a perfect environment for rapid and hazardous regrowth. The presence of Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) is particularly concerning due to the potential health risks associated with its mycotoxins. Your first step should be to formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue, citing the leak and the resultant mold, and request immediate professional remediation. For your health and safety, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified experts at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment, including moisture mapping and air quality testing, to determine the full extent of the contamination and provide a detailed report that can be used to formally request action from your landlord. Do not delay. For immediate advice or to schedule an inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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