Is fixing AC leak and black mold my landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE rental law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, your landlord is unequivocally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes all main building systems like the air conditioning and the walls. The water leak from the AC unit is a maintenance issue that the landlord must address. Furthermore, the resulting black mold is a direct consequence of that unrepaired leak, making its remediation also the landlord's legal responsibility.

The landlord's claim that running the AC at 24°C is the cause is incorrect and seeks to shift blame. While Dubai's extreme humidity requires ACs to remove moisture from the air to prevent condensation, a properly functioning unit will not leak water indoors at that setting. The leak indicates a blocked condensate drain line, a faulty drain pan, or improper installation – all maintenance failures. The dark, stagnant environment behind your furniture simply provided the ideal conditions for the existing moisture problem to manifest as a mold colony.

Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) requires immediate professional attention. Disturbing it through DIY cleaning can aerosolize toxic spores, posing a serious health risk and risking cross-contamination. The water source must be fixed first, followed by a certified mold assessment to determine the extent of colonization within the wall cavity.

For a definitive assessment and remediation protocol that meets Dubai Municipality standards, I strongly recommend you contact our specialists. We can provide a formal report to present to your landlord, documenting the cause and required fixes. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection.