Is landlord responsible for AC mold causing headaches?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our Jumeirah apartment has been making this damp, moldy smell for over a month now, and we've all been getting more headaches. I finally pulled the filter out and found black spots all over the wall behind the unit. Our landlord is saying it's our fault for not changing the filters often enough, but we do it every season like we're supposed to.
Is the landlord responsible for fixing the mold inside the AC unit itself, or is that on us as tenants?
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The landlord is typically responsible for mold inside the AC unit itself, not just the filter. While tenants are responsible for regular filter changes (every 3 months is standard), the internal components like the cooling coils and drip pans—where this black mold often grows—are part of the property's fixed systems. Dubai's high humidity causes constant condensation inside AC units, creating a perfect environment for mold if not professionally maintained.
Your description of black spots on the wall behind the unit and a persistent damp smell strongly indicates a more serious contamination within the ductwork or evaporator coil, which is a landlord responsibility to remediate. Headaches are a common symptom of exposure to certain mold types in a confined space. Document everything with photos and communicate the health symptoms to the landlord in writing. For a formal resolution, you can reference the Dubai Rental Law, which mandates landlords provide property that is habitable and in good repair. A professional mold inspection with lab analysis can definitively identify the species and source, providing the evidence needed to formally request remediation. |
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