Is my landlord responsible for AC mold causing illness?« Back to Previous Page

Your symptoms are consistent with exposure to mold, which produces allergens and irritants. A leaky AC unit is a classic source of moisture that leads to mold growth in Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for it. While a lab test is needed to confirm the species, the timing and location strongly suggest it's the cause.

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is typically responsible for repairs to the main structure and essential services, which includes the fixed air conditioning system and any damage its failure causes. Since the leak is from the AC unit itself and has caused structural damage (mold on the wall), this is almost certainly the landlord's responsibility to rectify. You must formally notify them in writing of the issue and request immediate repairs and remediation.

Until it is resolved, you should stop using that AC unit to prevent further moisture. Keep the closet door closed and consider using a portable dehumidifier. Do not attempt to clean significant mold growth yourself, as improper methods can aerosolize spores and worsen contamination. A professional inspection can document the extent of the problem for your landlord and provide a scope for proper remediation, which involves fixing the leak, removing contaminated materials, and cleaning the area with specialized methods.