As tenant, responsible for AC mold cleanup or landlord?« Back to Previous Page
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Our AC unit in the bedroom closet has been leaking a bit, and now we’ve found a patch of black mold on the back wall and on some of our stored luggage. It’s been getting worse over the last few weeks since the humidity really kicked in. As a tenant in Jumeirah Village Circle, am I responsible for cleaning this up myself, or is this something I need to get my landlord to handle urgently?
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Under Dubai's tenancy law, the responsibility for repairs and maintenance of the main structure and fixed appliances, including the central AC system, falls on the landlord. Since the mold growth is a direct result of a leaking AC unit, this is almost certainly the landlord's responsibility to remediate.
You should notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Include clear photos of the leak, the mold on the wall, and the affected belongings. Emphasize that it is a growing issue exacerbated by the high humidity. They are obligated to address the source of the moisture (fix the AC leak) and the resulting mold damage to the property structure. For a situation like this, professional remediation is strongly advised. The mold is on a porous surface (drywall) and has spread to personal items. DIY cleaning with bleach is ineffective on porous materials and often spreads spores. A proper remediation involves isolating the area, removing contaminated porous materials like damaged drywall, and using specialized equipment like HEPA scrubbers to clean the air. Your landlord should arrange for a certified professional to handle it. For your health, consider moving the luggage to a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent further spore spread until the issue is resolved. In JVC's climate, with year-round AC use and high humidity, a persistent leak creates a perfect environment for rapid mold growth that needs urgent attention. |
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