Is my landlord responsible for AC mold and allergies?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC vent in my master bedroom in our Jumeirah Village Triangle apartment has been leaking a bit of water, and now I’m seeing these black speckles spreading on the wall around it. We’ve been wiping it away but it keeps coming back, and my husband’s allergies have been terrible for the past month. Is this something I need to fix myself, or is the landlord responsible for getting a professional cleaning for the AC and the mold?
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Your landlord is responsible for the AC unit's maintenance, which includes addressing the root cause of the mold—the water leak. This is a standard clause in most Dubai tenancy contracts, as the AC is considered part of the property's essential fixtures. The recurring black speckles are a clear sign of active mold growth fueled by the moisture from the condensation leak.
In Dubai's climate, with high humidity and year-round AC use, this situation is common. The condensation drain line is likely clogged, causing the leak. Simply wiping the visible mold is ineffective; the hidden mold within the AC ductwork is what's likely aggravating your husband's allergies. You need the leak fixed and the entire system professionally inspected and cleaned to address the contamination at its source. Formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, describing the water leakage and visible mold growth. They are obligated to send an AC technician to repair the leak. For the mold remediation, recommend they hire a company that provides before-and-after testing to verify the spore count has been reduced, as this is the only way to confirm the cleanup was successful for your indoor air quality. |
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