Is my landlord responsible for mold from AC leak?« 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 spotted a patch of black, fuzzy mold spreading on the wall behind my clothes. I told my landlord about the leak but he just sent a handyman who wiped it and didn't fix the root cause. Now my allergies are going crazy every time I open the closet. Who is legally responsible for the mold remediation here—is it on me to clean it or is my landlord obligated to properly fix the AC and remove it?
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Based on the UAE Civil Code and specifically Dubai's rental laws (Law No. 26 of 2007), your landlord is unequivocally responsible for addressing this issue. The law mandates that the property owner is obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes ensuring all structural elements and essential utilities like air conditioning are functioning correctly and not causing damage.
The recurring AC leak is the root cause, and simply wiping the visible mold is a grossly inadequate response. The handyman's action constitutes a superficial cleanup that fails to address the moisture source, allowing the mold to regrow and spread into the wall cavity. The fact that your allergies are exacerbated confirms the presence of active microbial growth, which poses a potential health risk. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use create a perfect environment for mold, a professional assessment is critical. The black, fuzzy growth indicates a significant moisture problem. Proper remediation requires fixing the AC leak at its source, conducting a thorough inspection to determine the full extent of the contamination (often hidden within walls), and then performing certified mold removal procedures to ensure it is eradicated, not just superficially cleaned. You should formally notify your landlord in writing, citing the recurring issue and your health concerns, and request they engage a professional mold remediation company to conduct a proper inspection and fix the problem. For an immediate professional assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, we recommend you contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive inspection and a detailed report. |
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