Is my landlord required to fix rugent black mold?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment has been leaking a bit for the last couple of weeks, and now I’m seeing these black, speckled patches spreading on the wall behind the unit and the carpet beneath it feels damp. With the humidity rising, I’m worried it’s getting worse by the day. How urgent is it that I get a professional to deal with this black mold, and is it something my landlord is legally required to fix immediately?
Posted by Nancy Lewis
Asked on May 1, 2026 12:15 am
That leak and visible black mold growth is a legitimate health and property concern that requires immediate attention. In Dubai's high humidity, a damp wall and carpet create an ideal environment for mold to proliferate rapidly, often within 24-48 hours of water exposure.

Regarding landlord responsibility, the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) generally obligates landlords to maintain the property's structural integrity and address issues that make it uninhabitable. A persistent AC leak leading to microbial growth typically falls under this category as it can cause property damage and impact indoor air quality. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue immediately, as they are usually responsible for fixing the source of the leak (the AC unit itself and any resultant structural repairs). They may arrange for an AC technician to stop the leak first.

However, the mold remediation itself is a specialized process. Simply wiping the visible spots is insufficient; the hidden moisture in the wall and carpet pad must be professionally addressed to prevent regrowth and spore dispersal. Given the spread you describe, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the full extent. The remediation process should involve containment, removal of contaminated porous materials like carpet, HEPA vacuuming, and antimicrobial treatment to properly resolve the issue. For your records, it is wise to document the damage and all communications with your landlord. If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 2, 2026 9:19 pm