Am I responsible for mold from a landlord's AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for structural maintenance and repairs falls squarely on the landlord. This includes the building's central air conditioning system and any resulting damage from its failure, such as water leaks and the consequent mold growth. Since you have previously reported the AC leak to building maintenance, you have a record of notifying them of the issue, which is crucial.

The presence of black mold indicates a prolonged moisture issue. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, AC units are critical for controlling indoor moisture and preventing condensation. A malfunctioning unit creates a perfect environment for mold, especially Aspergillus and Stachybotrys (black mold), which can pose health risks and cause structural damage.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, with photo evidence, and reference your previous complaints. Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize spores and contaminate the entire apartment. Remediation requires professional assessment, containment, specialized filtration, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure it is eradicated safely. The landlord is typically responsible for funding this remediation and the subsequent repairs to the wall.

For a definitive assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified team at Saniservice can provide a detailed report outlining the cause, extent of contamination, and a scope of work for remediation, which can be presented to your landlord. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for immediate assistance.