AC leak causing mold and toddler illness: landlord responsible?« Back to Previous Page

Under the Dubai Rental Law, your landlord is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property, which includes fixing the source of the AC leak. The resulting mold and damage to the wall and carpet are a direct consequence of that maintenance failure, so they are also responsible for the remediation.

For your toddler's health, the persistent symptoms you describe are commonly observed in mold exposure cases, especially with Stachybotrys chartarum (often black mold) which thrives in the constant dampness of an AC leak. Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for this. You should immediately move your toddler's sleeping area away from the affected room and contact your landlord in writing, detailing the leak and the visible mold growth.

Request that they arrange for a professional mold inspection. A proper inspection involves moisture mapping and air/surface sampling sent to an accredited microbiology lab to identify the species, as this determines the health risk and required remediation protocol. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing toxic mold can aerosolize spores and worsen the problem. The landlord must fix the leak at its source, then hire a certified remediation company to address the contamination. Keep records of all communication, as you may need to file a case with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai if they refuse to act.