AC leak causing black mold, who fixes it in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC leak is the landlord's responsibility to fix, as it's a maintenance issue with the property's permanent fixture. The resulting black mold growth, however, must be addressed immediately due to potential health risks, especially in Dubai's humid climate which accelerates its spread.

Under Dubai rental law (RERA), landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition. This includes repairing AC systems and fixing leaks that cause property damage. You should formally notify your landlord or building management in writing about the leak and the mold, as this creates a paper trail. They are typically responsible for repairing the leak and any damage to the structure, like the wall.

For the mold remediation itself, the responsibility can be less clear-cut. While the landlord fixes the source, the cleanup of the mold might fall to you, especially if the tenancy contract states the tenant must maintain a clean and damage-free property. However, since the mold is a direct result of a maintenance failure (the leak), you can strongly argue the landlord should cover the cost of professional remediation.

Given it's black mold, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the species and extent. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as this can worsen airborne spore dispersal. The humidity in Marina apartments, combined with condensation from a faulty AC unit, creates an ideal environment for toxic mold species like Stachybotrys. A certified inspector can provide a lab-verified report, which is useful evidence for your landlord and crucial for ensuring the remediation is done correctly to prevent recurrence.