Is mold treatment a landlord's or tenant's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for mold treatment and remediation is primarily governed by the rental contract and Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the Dubai Rental Law. The general principle is that structural issues and problems related to the building's integrity are the landlord's responsibility. This includes the repair and maintenance of the building's central air conditioning system, plumbing, and the structure itself, such as walls.

The constant AC leakage you describe is a clear maintenance failure of the property's cooling system, which is a landlord obligation. The resulting mold growth on the wall is a direct consequence of this unresolved moisture issue. As a tenant, your responsibility typically extends to general upkeep and reporting such issues in a timely manner, which you have done by identifying the problem.

Given the symptoms your husband is experiencing—a persistent cough for over a month—this is a serious health indicator. The black spots behind the wardrobe are likely Stachybotrys chartarum or another toxigenic species, which are known to cause such respiratory issues, especially in the humid, AC-dependent climate of Dubai where condensation problems are rampant.

We strongly advise against attempting to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins. The remediation process requires professional containment, HEPA filtration, and antimicrobial treatment to ensure the spores are eradicated and the wall is properly dried to prevent recurrence.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, citing the AC leak and resultant mold, and request immediate professional remediation. For a definitive assessment and to document the issue for your landlord, we recommend a professional mold inspection. Our certified team at Saniservice can provide a comprehensive report detailing the cause, species, and remediation protocol. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.