Landlord responsible for AC leak mold in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit onto the carpet in the living room, and now I’ve spotted a small patch of black mold starting to grow on the baseboard. I told my landlord about the leak a month ago but they haven’t fixed the AC unit yet. Who is legally responsible for dealing with this mold, me or the landlord, and should I be worried about my security deposit?
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Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for addressing the mold growth resulting from the unrepaired AC leak. This law mandates that the property owner is obliged to conduct all necessary maintenance for the property and rectify any defects that affect its intended use. The persistent AC leak, which you reported a month ago, constitutes a structural and maintenance defect that is the landlord's legal responsibility to fix. The subsequent mold growth is a direct consequence of their failure to perform this duty.
The Dubai climate, with its extreme humidity and year-round reliance on AC systems, creates a perfect environment for mold to proliferate rapidly from even a minor, persistent leak. The black mold you've spotted on the baseboard is a significant indicator of a moisture issue within the wall cavity, which is likely more extensive than what is visible. Prolonged exposure to certain types of mold can pose health risks, including allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Regarding your security deposit, you are protected. You documented the initial issue by informing the landlord, which is crucial. You cannot be held financially liable for damages that are a direct result of the landlord's negligence in performing their maintenance obligations. For your safety and to properly document the issue for your landlord, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified experts at Saniservice can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the full extent of the mold contamination, identify the specific species, and provide a detailed report that you can present to your landlord to compel immediate action. Do not delay; call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. |
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