Is landlord responsible for AC leak and mold?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the landlord is fundamentally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and ensuring it is habitable. This includes the repair and maintenance of essential building systems like the air conditioning unit and the building envelope that prevents water ingress.

Your situation describes a classic case of condensation-related mold growth, exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use. The persistent AC leak has created a chronic moisture issue, providing the perfect environment for mold, likely the black spots you see, to colonize the wall cavity. Your husband's symptoms—stuffy nose and headaches upon waking—are common initial reactions to prolonged exposure to mold spores in a sleeping environment. These are clear indicators of a compromised indoor air quality issue that requires immediate attention.

While the landlord is legally obligated to fix the AC leak and the resultant structural damage (the moldy wall), as a tenant, you have a responsibility to report the issue in a timely manner. Document everything: take clear photographs, send a formal written notification to the landlord or property management company detailing the problem and the associated health symptoms, and keep a record of all correspondence.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize spores throughout your apartment, worsening the health risk and the extent of contamination. This requires professional assessment and remediation.

We strongly recommend you contact a certified mold inspection company like Saniservice. Our experts can conduct a thorough assessment to determine the exact species of mold and the full extent of the infestation, providing a formal report that can be used to ensure your landlord undertakes the necessary and complete repairs. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.