Is my landlord responsible for toxic mold remediation?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, your landlord is almost certainly responsible for remediating the mold caused by the AC leak. Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing structural issues and faults in provided appliances like air conditioners that lead to water damage and mold growth.

Given the visible black spots and your toddler's persistent respiratory symptoms, this is a serious habitability issue. The high humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create ideal conditions for mold to thrive, especially from a persistent leak. Cleaning it yourself is not recommended; disturbing the mold can aerosolize spores, potentially worsening your family's exposure and the contamination.

Your first step is to formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail), detailing the AC leak, the extent of the mold growth, and the health symptoms. Clearly state that this is a request for them to fulfill their legal maintenance obligation. Include photographs as evidence.

If they refuse or delay, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For a case involving health, especially a child's, they typically intervene promptly. Given the potential health risks, a professional inspection and lab testing of the mold are strongly advised to identify the species and properly scope the remediation, which should include fixing the leak, removing contaminated materials like drywall, and deep cleaning the affected area.