Is landlord responsible for AC mold and headaches?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment seems to be leaking a little bit of water onto the wall behind it in the living room. I just pulled the unit forward and the entire wall behind it is covered in black, fuzzy mold. We've been getting headaches for a couple of months and never knew why. Is my landlord responsible for the mold remediation and fixing the AC, or is this on me to handle?
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The black mold you've described behind your AC unit is a serious health and safety concern, commonly caused by condensation from a leaking or poorly draining AC system—a frequent issue in Dubai's humid climate. The fuzzy black growth is likely Stachybotrys chartarum or another toxigenic species, which releases mycotoxins into the air. This is a probable direct cause of the persistent headaches you and your family are experiencing, as well as potential respiratory irritation.
Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, which includes the central air conditioning system and any damage its failure causes. The AC leak is the root defect, and the resulting mold is a direct consequence. You must formally notify your landlord in writing of the issue and request immediate remediation. They are obligated to repair the AC unit and address the mold contamination. Do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold will aerosolize spores and mycotoxins, drastically increasing your exposure. This requires professional containment, removal, and hygienization by a certified company like Saniservice. Our teams are trained in Dubai Municipality protocols for safe remediation, including HEPA filtration and antimicrobial treatment of the affected wall. We also conduct precise air quality testing to confirm the spore count has returned to safe levels post-remediation. For immediate assistance with inspection and certified remediation, I strongly advise you to call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. Document all communication with your landlord and the condition for your records. |
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