Is the landlord responsible for bedroom AC mold?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom has been leaking a bit for the last couple of months, and now we’re seeing a patch of black mold on the wall behind the headboard. My wife has started waking up with a stuffy nose and itchy eyes every morning. Who is responsible for handling this and the potential health risks—is it me as the tenant, or is the landlord required to fix it?
Posted by Ashley Young
Asked on March 29, 2026 5:57 pm
Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its major systems, including the central air conditioning infrastructure. A leaking AC unit that causes mold growth falls squarely under this obligation. The landlord is required to address the source of the leak—whether it's a blocked drain line, faulty installation, or a malfunctioning condensate pump—to prevent further damage and health hazards.

The symptoms your wife is experiencing—morning stuffiness and itchy eyes—are classic indicators of mold exposure, often resulting from the mycotoxins and allergens that molds release into the air. In Dubai's climate, where high humidity and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for condensation and mold growth, such issues must be addressed promptly to prevent more severe respiratory complications or allergic reactions.

Your immediate action should be to formally notify the landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and its health impacts. They are obligated to arrange for repairs. However, the mold remediation itself is a separate, highly technical process. Simply fixing the leak and wiping the wall is insufficient; improper cleaning can aerosolize spores, worsening the contamination.

For a situation like this, we strongly recommend a professional assessment. Our certified inspectors can conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the mold growth, identify the specific species (which informs the remediation protocol), and provide a detailed report that can be used to ensure the landlord completes the repairs and remediation to a professional standard. Do not attempt to handle significant mold growth yourself.

For immediate assistance with inspection and certified remediation, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 31, 2026 1:34 pm