Is AC mold causing my husband's illness? Landlord responsible?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold in your AC unit is very likely contributing to your husband's persistent cough and headaches. AC mold circulates spores and mycotoxins directly into the air you breathe, commonly causing upper respiratory irritation, sinus congestion, and headaches, especially in individuals with sensitivities. The constant Dubai humidity and year-round AC use create a perfect environment for this rapid growth when a leak is present.

Regarding responsibility, your landlord is almost certainly obligated to address this. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for all major maintenance and repairs related to the structural integrity of the property and its core systems, which includes the central AC unit and any water damage to the walls. A leaking AC causing mold infestation falls squarely under this category.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) about the leak and the subsequent mold growth, mentioning the associated health symptoms. Request immediate repair of the AC leak and professional remediation of the mold. For a case of this size, a proper inspection and remediation by a certified company is strongly advised, as DIY cleaning often fails to address the root cause or hidden growth. They can also provide a lab report to confirm the mold type, which is useful documentation. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.