Is my landlord responsible for AC leak and mold?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah seems to be leaking water onto the carpet in the bedroom, and now I'm seeing black spots spreading along the base of the wall. My toddler has been wheezing more than usual this past week, and I'm really worried it's connected. Who is responsible for dealing with this and the cost—me as the tenant or my landlord, especially since it's related to the AC unit?
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As a certified mold inspector in Dubai, your situation is unfortunately very common here due to our high humidity and year-round reliance on AC systems. The black spots are likely active Stachybotrys or Aspergillus mold, which thrive on the constant moisture from the AC condensate leak. The timing of your toddler's wheezing is a significant concern, as children are highly susceptible to mycotoxins and spores released by such molds, which can trigger respiratory distress and allergic reactions.
Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the maintenance of the property's core systems, including the central air conditioning unit and its associated drainage. The leak and the resulting mold growth constitute a failure of the building's infrastructure, placing the responsibility for remediation firmly on the property owner. You must notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately, detailing the issue and its impact on health. However, for a case involving a child's health, I strongly advise against waiting. This requires immediate professional assessment. The mold behind the wall is likely far more extensive than what is visible. Our teams use borescopes and moisture meters to assess the full extent of hidden damage and air quality testing to identify spore types and concentration levels. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as improper disturbance will aerosolize the spores, exacerbating the health risk. For immediate professional inspection and a formal report to present to your landlord, I recommend you contact our specialists. Call Saniservice at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a comprehensive assessment. |
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