Is wall mold from AC leak landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The black speckled patches are very likely mold, given the ongoing AC leak and Dubai's humidity. Your husband's sinus headaches are a common reaction to mold exposure, particularly in a bedroom where you spend many hours.

In Dubai, the responsibility typically falls on the landlord to fix the source of the problem—the leaking AC unit and any resulting water damage to the structure (walls, ceiling). This is considered a maintenance issue for the property's core systems. Tenants are usually responsible for the contents of the home and general cleanliness, but a persistent leak causing structural damage is not your fault.

You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing immediately. Describe the leak, the visible mold growth, and the health symptoms. They are obligated to address the root cause. For a situation of this size and with health symptoms present, a professional inspection is strongly advised to determine the full extent. Surface cleaning alone is insufficient; the wall cavity behind the wardrobe likely requires remediation.

Until it's resolved, improve ventilation in the room as much as possible and consider using a dehumidifier. Do not attempt to clean significant growth with bleach, as it can aggravate spores without addressing the moisture source. The landlord should arrange for both the AC repair and proper mold remediation by a qualified provider.