Is landlord responsible for AC leak and mold cleanup?« Back to Previous Page
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My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the black mold that's been spreading along the ceiling in our master bedroom closet. We've lived in this Jumeirah Village Triangle villa for two years, but it only appeared a few weeks ago after the AC unit in that room started leaking. Is it my responsibility to handle the cleanup, or should my landlord be fixing the AC and the mold it caused?
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Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, your landlord is unequivocally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and its key utilities, which includes the central AC system. The AC leak is the direct cause of the moisture intrusion, which in turn has led to the black mold growth. This constitutes a failure in their obligation to provide a habitable premises. You should formally notify your landlord in writing of both the AC malfunction and the resulting mold issue, requesting immediate remediation of both the source (the leak) and the resultant damage (the mold).
The appearance of Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) following a water incident is a serious health concern, particularly with the symptoms your children are exhibiting. The high humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create a perfect environment for such rapid mold proliferation if a moisture source is present. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins. This situation requires a professional assessment. A certified mold inspector can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the species and spore concentration, which is critical for determining the appropriate remediation protocol and for documenting the issue for your landlord. The remediation process must address the root cause—the AC leak—and then safely contain and remove the contaminated materials. For immediate professional inspection and remediation, I strongly recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a comprehensive assessment and a formal report to present to your landlord, ensuring the problem is resolved safely and effectively. |
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