Is landlord responsible for AC mold in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment seems to be making our whole master bedroom in Jumeirah Village Circle smell damp, and we’ve been waking up with stuffy noses for the last three weeks. I just pulled the wardrobe away from the wall and found a huge patch of black mold growing behind it. Our building is known for having some leaks, but we’ve been renting this place for a year without any issues until now.
Is the landlord legally required to pay for a professional mold inspection and remediation, or is this something I have to handle myself as the tenant?
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Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and the standard tenancy contract, the landlord is typically responsible for the property's structural integrity and the maintenance of major building systems, including the central air conditioning system and its associated ductwork. The persistent damp smell from the AC and the subsequent mold growth behind the wardrobe strongly indicate a systemic issue, such as a leaking chilled water pipe within the wall, condensation from poorly insulated AC ducts, or a leak from an adjacent apartment. These are not considered tenant-caused damages.
Given the climate in Dubai, where high humidity and year-round AC use create a perfect environment for mold, this is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. The symptoms you describe, such as waking up with stuffy noses, are common health reactions to mold spore exposure. Your first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including photographs of the mold. They are legally obligated to address the root cause of the moisture and the resulting mold contamination. While they may send a general handyman, the severity you describe warrants a professional mold inspection. A certified inspector will conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and concentration of mold, which is crucial for determining the appropriate remediation protocol and for health reasons. For a comprehensive inspection and certified remediation to ensure the problem is resolved safely and completely, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for an immediate assessment. Do not attempt to remove significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can exacerbate spore dispersal and health risks. |
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