Landlord or tenant responsible for bedroom mold and AC fix?« Back to Previous Page
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Our master bedroom in our Marina apartment has been feeling really humid for the past couple of months, and I just pulled our bed away from the wall to find a huge patch of black mold spreading from behind the wardrobe. The AC unit is on that same wall and sometimes drips. Are we responsible for cleaning this and fixing the AC, or is this something the landlord needs to handle immediately?
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This is a landlord responsibility. In Dubai, the landlord is legally required to maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes addressing structural issues like a leaking AC unit that causes mold. The tenant is typically responsible for general cleanliness and reporting problems promptly.
You must notify your landlord in writing immediately, as the AC condensate leak is the moisture source. Include clear photos of the mold and the dripping unit. The high humidity in Marina apartments, especially with a malfunctioning AC, accelerates mold growth behind furniture where air doesn't circulate. For a patch this significant, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the extent and type of growth, as some molds can penetrate porous materials like drywall and insulation. The AC repair is non-negotiable; simply cleaning the mold without fixing the leak guarantees it will return. A proper remediation process involves containment, removal of affected materials if necessary, and HEPA vacuuming, not just surface wiping. Your lease may have specific clauses, but Dubai law generally sides with tenants on health and safety issues stemming from property defects. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. |
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