Who is responsible for black mold remediation: tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, the responsibility for black mold remediation due to issues like an AC leak falls squarely on the building owner or landlord. This is governed by Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the 'Real Estate Regulatory Law' and its amendments, which stipulate that the landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property in a habitable condition and carry out all necessary repairs to the main structure and essential services, including the central air conditioning system. A tenant's responsibility is typically limited to reporting the issue promptly and allowing access for repairs.

The maintenance guy's attempt to wipe the mold with bleach is a classic and ineffective DIY approach. Bleach only bleaches the surface pigment and does not address the root cause—the ongoing moisture from the leak—nor kill the mold roots (hyphae) deep within the building materials. In Dubai's high humidity, this ineffective treatment will always result in a rapid and more aggressive recurrence, as you've experienced.

This situation requires professional intervention. The leak must be repaired by an AC technician, and the mold must be remediated by a certified specialist. Improper handling can aerosolize toxic mold spores, significantly worsening indoor air quality and posing serious health risks.

For a proper assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled correctly and legally, I strongly recommend you contact a professional environmental service. Saniservice specializes in mold inspection, moisture mapping, and certified remediation in accordance with Dubai Municipality guidelines. You can reach their experts for a consultation at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or hello@saniservice.com. They can also provide a formal report that can be used to formally escalate the matter to your landlord if necessary.