Is my landlord responsible for mold from a fixed leak?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description, this is a serious situation that requires immediate attention, especially given your wife's pregnancy. The black, fuzzy growth is highly indicative of a Stachybotrys chartarum infestation, a toxigenic mold that thrives on the cellulose in wet drywall. While the landlord's "fix" may have stopped the active leak, the moisture-saturated wall cavity behind the wardrobe remains an ideal breeding ground, which is why the mold is now spreading visibly.

Under UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the structural integrity of the property and for maintaining it in a habitable condition. This includes remedying defects in the building envelope, plumbing, and AC systems that cause water intrusion. Since the mold is a direct result of a previously reported AC leak, the responsibility for the professional remediation and repairs to the wall falls on your landlord. You must formally notify them in writing of the issue immediately.

However, due to the potential health risks from mycotoxin exposure, I strongly advise against attempting to clean this yourself. Disturbing the mold will aerosolize spores throughout your bedroom. This is a job for certified professionals using containment, negative air pressure, and HEPA filtration.

Given the climate in Dubai, with its high humidity and year-round AC use, this type of hidden condensation issue is common. A professional inspection from a company like Saniservice is critical. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to identify the exact extent of the saturation and the source of the moisture, which may be more complex than a single past leak. We can provide a detailed report for your landlord and a scope of work for safe, complete remediation.

For your family's health and to resolve this correctly, please contact us for an immediate assessment. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.