Who is responsible for black mold from landlord's unrepaired AC leak?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE property law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the responsibility for maintenance of major structural elements and central air conditioning systems falls squarely on the property owner or landlord. Since the black mold growth in your Jumeirah Village Circle apartment is a direct result of an unrepaired AC leak that you reported a month ago, the legal obligation for remediation and repair is your landlord's.

The persistent humidity and condensation from a leaking AC unit in Dubai's climate create an ideal environment for rapid mold proliferation, particularly the toxic black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) you are describing. This is not a superficial cleaning issue; it is a direct health hazard and a consequence of a structural maintenance failure. The remediation process requires professional assessment to determine the extent of penetration into the wall and to safely contain and remove the contaminated materials, including your affected shoes.

Your immediate action should be to formally re-notify your landlord in writing (email is sufficient), reiterating the initial report and the now severe mold outbreak, and demand immediate professional remediation. Keep a record of all correspondence. If they remain unresponsive, you have the right to file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.

For a situation of this severity, a professional inspection is critical. I strongly recommend you contact a certified mold remediation company like Saniservice to conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide a formal report, which will be vital evidence for your landlord or the RDC. You can reach their experts for an immediate consultation at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. Do not attempt to clean significant black mold growth yourself, as improper disturbance can aerosolize toxins and exacerbate the health risk.