Who is responsible for AC mold and my child's illness?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the property owner is legally responsible for all major maintenance and repairs that are not due to tenant misuse. This includes fixing the source of an AC leak and the resulting water damage and mold growth. Your responsibility as a tenant is typically limited to reporting the issue promptly, which you have done.

The persistent leak creates a perfect environment for mold, especially in our humid climate where condensation issues are common. The black spots spreading behind the wardrobe are a serious concern and the link to your toddler's ongoing respiratory symptoms is plausible. Mold exposure, particularly for young children, can cause and exacerbate such chronic coughs and congestion.

You need to formally escalate this with the landlord's agent. Send a dated written communication (email is best) reiterating the issue, the health impact on your child, and your request for immediate remediation. You can mention that under the law, the landlord must maintain the property in a habitable condition. For serious, visible growth like this, a professional mold inspection is strongly advised to identify the species and the full extent of the problem, as it often grows inside wall cavities. The inspector’s report can serve as evidence for the landlord. Do not attempt to clean it yourself, as improper disturbance can release more spores and worsen the air quality. Your priority is to stop the moisture source and get a professional assessment.