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

Based on the UAE Civil Code and common tenancy law, the responsibility for structural maintenance, including fixing an AC unit that is part of the property's infrastructure, falls upon the landlord. This is especially true when the malfunction, such as a leak, leads to secondary damage like black mold growth, which poses a health risk and damages the building fabric.

Your situation is a classic example of how Dubai's high humidity and year-round reliance on AC creates ideal conditions for mold. An AC leak provides the constant moisture, and the organic material in drywall (paper backing) is the food source. The black substance you see is almost certainly microbial growth, which can release spores and mycotoxins into the air, directly explaining the headaches and poor indoor air quality you are experiencing.

Your first action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, with photos, of the AC leak and the subsequent mold growth. They are obligated to address the root cause (repair the AC) and the resulting damage (mold remediation).

However, due to the potential health implications and the technical complexity of proper remediation, we strongly advise against attempting cleanup yourself. Disturbing the mold without proper containment can aerosolize spores throughout your bedroom. The remediation process requires identifying the full extent of the growth, containing the area, removing contaminated porous materials (like the affected drywall), and using industrial-grade HEPA filtration and antimicrobial agents to ensure it is safely eliminated.

For a professional inspection and a detailed remediation protocol to present to your landlord, contact our specialists. We can provide the certified documentation needed to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.