Who is responsible for black mold from an AC leak in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a little onto the carpet for a couple of months, and now I’m seeing a bunch of black, fuzzy spots spreading out from the wall near the unit. My landlord says it's just dirt and that maintenance will "look at it soon," but I'm worried it's toxic. Who is legally responsible for testing and removing black mold in a rental here in Dubai, especially if it might be from an AC issue they haven't fixed?
Posted by Ahmed Al-Rashid
Asked on April 1, 2026 5:33 am
Based on Dubai's rental laws, specifically Law No. 26 of 2007 and its amendments, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, which includes the air conditioning system and rectifying any defects arising from its failure. An AC leak constitutes a maintenance failure, and the resulting black mold growth is a direct consequence of that unresolved moisture issue. Therefore, your landlord is legally obligated to address both the source of the leak and the resultant mold contamination.

The black, fuzzy growth you describe is highly indicative of a significant mold colony, commonly of the Stachybotrys or Aspergillus types, which thrive in the persistent damp conditions caused by our climate's high humidity and constant AC use. Dismissing it as "just dirt" is a serious misjudgment; professional inspection and testing are critical to determine the species and potential toxicity.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for documentation) of the issue, citing the health concerns and referencing their legal obligation to provide a habitable premises. If they remain unresponsive, you have the right to escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your health, we strongly recommend a professional inspection. Our certified technicians at Saniservice can conduct comprehensive air and surface sampling to identify the mold type, assess the spore count in your indoor air, and provide a detailed remediation protocol. Do not attempt to disturb the mold yourself, as this can aerosolize toxic spores. For immediate assistance, please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 3, 2026 3:12 am