Is my landlord responsible for AC mold affecting my toddler?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a bit for a couple of months, and now I’ve found patches of black mold on the wall behind the wardrobe. My toddler has had a persistent runny nose and I'm really worried it's connected. As a tenant in Jumeirah Village Circle, am I responsible for fixing the AC and the mold cleanup, or is this something I need to get my landlord to handle immediately?
Posted by Robert Hill
Asked on April 25, 2026 10:10 am
Under Dubai's rental law, the landlord is responsible for fixing the AC unit and the resulting mold if the issue is due to a structural or mechanical failure of the AC itself. A leaking AC is a maintenance issue for the property owner. You should notify them in writing immediately, as persistent moisture and mold can cause further damage to the property and affect indoor air quality.

The black mold and your toddler's symptoms are a serious health concern that warrants immediate action. Mold growth, particularly from chronic moisture like an AC leak, is a known irritant that can cause or exacerbate respiratory issues like a persistent runny nose, coughing, and congestion, especially in young children. The high humidity in Dubai provides ideal conditions for mold to thrive once a moisture source is present.

For your family's health, do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can release a high concentration of spores. A professional inspection is needed to assess the full extent of the mold growth behind the wardrobe and inside the wall cavity. The remediation process should include fixing the AC leak at its source, properly removing the contaminated materials, and cleaning the air to reduce spore counts.

Document everything with photos and dates of your communication with the landlord. If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. Given the potential health impact on your toddler, this is a matter to escalate for urgent resolution.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 26, 2026 8:27 am