Is the landlord responsible for mold from an AC leak?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my bedroom in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit for a couple of months, but now I'm finding black spots of mold on the wall behind the wardrobe. The smell is getting really strong. Is fixing the leak and cleaning the mold my landlord's responsibility, or is this on me since I didn't report the drip right away?
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Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the property and its major systems, including the air conditioning unit. This responsibility extends to repairing faults like an AC leak that lead to secondary damage, such as mold growth.
The key factor here is the source of the moisture. Since the mold is a direct result of a malfunctioning AC unit, which is part of the property's provided infrastructure, the remediation of both the leak and the resulting mold is almost certainly the landlord's obligation. You should notify them in writing immediately, as delaying can sometimes complicate liability issues, even though the underlying cause is their responsibility to fix. Given the description—black spots and a strong, persistent smell—this is not a minor issue. The mold behind the wardrobe is likely just the visible tip of the iceberg; there could be significant growth within the wall cavity. DIY cleaning with bleach is ineffective and can be hazardous, as it doesn't address the root moisture problem and can aggravate spores. We strongly recommend a professional mold inspection. Our certified experts can conduct air and surface sampling to identify the spore types and concentration levels, which is crucial for understanding health risks and formulating a proper remediation protocol. This detailed report also serves as official documentation for your landlord, outlining the necessary corrective actions. For immediate assistance with inspection and testing, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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