Is landlord responsible for AC mold in JVC apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our bedroom has been making a weird damp smell for a couple of months, and now I’ve just spotted a patch of black mold growing on the wall behind the wardrobe. We’ve been in this Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for three years without any issues until now. Is this something I need to fix myself, or is my landlord responsible for the mold removal and fixing the AC unit that probably caused it?
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Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its major systems, including the central air conditioning. The presence of mold on a wall strongly indicates a persistent moisture source, which is likely a leaking AC condensation drain pipe or a faulty seal in the unit itself. This falls under the landlord's maintenance obligation.
You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, including clear photos of the mold and a description of the AC's damp smell. They are obligated to address the root cause—the AC fault—and the resulting damage, which is the mold remediation. For a patch visible on the wall, the hidden growth within the wall cavity is often more extensive. Do not attempt removal yourself. Disturbing it can aerosolize spores throughout your bedroom. A professional inspection is needed to assess the full extent and safely remove it. The UAE's high humidity means mold can regrow quickly if the moisture issue isn't fully resolved. The remediation process should include fixing the AC leak, removing contaminated materials, a thorough cleaning with antimicrobial agents, and verification that the space is dry and safe. A company with its own microbiology lab can provide the documentation your landlord may require to confirm the issue is resolved. |
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