Is black mold from AC my landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The AC unit in my bedroom in our Marina apartment has been leaking a bit, and now I’ve found black spots around the vent on the wall. My asthma has been way worse this past month, and I’m waking up every night wheezing. Is fixing this and cleaning the mold the landlord's responsibility, or is it on me to handle it?
Posted by Kavita Sharma
Asked on March 7, 2026 3:36 pm
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the structural parts of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system and its associated components like ducts and vents. A leaking AC unit that has resulted in mold growth is a maintenance issue stemming from the building's core systems, making it the landlord's obligation to rectify.

The black spots you're seeing are almost certainly microbial growth, and the timing of your exacerbated asthma symptoms is a major red flag. Mold spores are a known and potent asthma trigger, and constant exposure, especially in your bedroom while you sleep, is a serious health concern. This isn't just a cosmetic issue; it's an indoor air quality emergency.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Describe the leak, the visible mold, and the negative impact on your health. Request urgent professional inspection and remediation. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize the spores and make the contamination much worse, severely aggravating your asthma.

Our certified teams use specialized equipment like borescopes to inspect inside the AC unit and ductwork, and air/o-surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels. Remediation involves containing the area, HEPA vacuuming, antimicrobial treatment, and fixing the source of the moisture leak.

For immediate assistance with testing and a formal report for your landlord, call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Your health should not wait.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 8, 2026 9:11 pm