Who is responsible for fixing mold from an AC leak?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived in our Jumeirah villa for 2 years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from the corner of our bedroom ceiling, probably from a slow leak in the AC unit. My youngest has been sneezing constantly since the last humid spell. Who is responsible for getting this tested and fixed, me or the landlord, and should I push for them to cover a doctor's visit for my kid?
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In the UAE, specifically under Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for maintenance is clearly defined. The landlord is legally obligated to maintain the property's structure and essential services, which includes the central AC system and any resultant damage from its failure. Since the mold is a direct result of an AC leak, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for the remediation of both the leak source and the mold growth. Your responsibility as a tenant is to report the issue in writing immediately to create a formal record.
Given the visible growth and your child's allergic symptoms—common reactions to mycotoxins and spores—this is a serious health and safety issue. The humid Dubai climate creates a perfect environment for rapid mold proliferation, especially when a moisture source like a leak is present. You should absolutely insist that the landlord engages a professional mold inspection and remediation company, like Saniservice, to conduct a proper assessment. DIY solutions are insufficient and can aerosolize spores, worsening the problem. Regarding the doctor's visit, while the landlord is responsible for fixing the property, directly covering medical costs is a more complex matter. However, you can and should push for them to cover the cost of a professional hygienization and air quality test to prove the environment is safe, which is directly related to the root cause of the health symptoms. For immediate assessment and to ensure the remediation is handled to Dubai Municipality standards, I recommend you call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to get a certified expert on site. |
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