Who is responsible for AC mold in Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a little, and now we’ve discovered a patch of black mold on the wall behind the wardrobe. My youngest has had a constant runny nose and a cough for the past three weeks, and I’m starting to get worried it’s connected. Our building’s maintenance is slow to respond, and the landlord says it's the AC unit's fault. Who is legally responsible for the mold remediation and any associated health checks here in Dubai, the tenant or the landlord?
Posted by Jason Moore
Asked on March 28, 2026 8:01 am
Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the legal responsibility for maintenance of the property's core structure, including walls and built-in fixtures, falls upon the landlord. The AC unit itself, however, can be a point of contention. Generally, if the AC is a permanent fixture provided with the property (a split or central system), its maintenance is the landlord's obligation as per the tenancy contract's implied warranty of habitation. If the AC is a portable unit you installed, maintenance would typically be your responsibility.

The health symptoms you describe in your child are a significant concern and are clinically associated with prolonged exposure to mycotoxins from molds like Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold). Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use create a perfect environment for condensation and mold growth when systems are not properly maintained or when drainage lines are blocked. This is a serious indoor air quality issue that requires immediate professional attention. A simple surface clean is insufficient, as the mycotoxins become airborne and penetrate the wall structure.

We strongly recommend you formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue and the associated health concerns, citing your right to a habitable property. For your family's health and to document the issue for any legal purposes, you should engage a professional mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our certified experts use thermal imaging and air quality testing to identify the full extent of the contamination, pinpoint the moisture source (e.g., clogged AC drain line, faulty insulation), and provide a detailed remediation protocol. This report is crucial for holding the responsible party accountable.

Do not delay. For a professional assessment and to discuss your specific situation, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 29, 2026 3:30 pm