Is landlord responsible for AC leak mold near toddler?« Back to Previous Page

The landlord is typically responsible for mold caused by an AC leak, as it falls under the maintenance of the building's structure and installed systems. Under UAE tenancy law, the landlord must ensure the property is habitable, which includes addressing issues like a malfunctioning AC unit that leads to water damage and mold growth, especially when it poses a health risk.

Your immediate step is to formally notify your landlord and building management in writing, with clear photos of the leak and the mold. For a toddler, the proximity to the mold is a significant concern, as their developing respiratory systems are more sensitive to spores. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can aerosolize the spores and worsen the problem.

A professional inspection is strongly advised to determine the full extent of the moisture damage inside the wall cavity and to identify the mold species. In Dubai's high humidity, what you see is often just the surface manifestation of a larger issue. The remediation process should include fixing the AC leak at its source, proper containment of the area to prevent spore spread, removal of contaminated porous materials like the carpet and damaged drywall, and HEPA vacuuming. The goal is to return the moisture levels to a normal range to prevent regrowth.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC) for mediation.