Who is responsible for mold from AC in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page
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We’ve lived in our Jumeirah Village Circle apartment for two years and just noticed a patch of black mold spreading from behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom. It must have been growing slowly from the AC unit's condensation. Our landlord is saying it's our fault for not ventilating properly, but we run the AC constantly. Who is legally responsible for the mold remediation and fixing the wall in this situation?
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Based on Dubai's climate and tenancy laws, responsibility for mold remediation is typically determined by the source of the moisture. In your case, with the mold originating from the AC condensation, the landlord is generally responsible. The Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) stipulates that landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes ensuring the structural integrity and proper functioning of all fixed installations, such as the central AC system and its drainage.
The constant humidity in Dubai means AC units are essential, but they must be correctly installed and maintained to prevent condensation issues. The problem you describe—moisture leaking from the AC unit—is a structural or mechanical fault, not a result of tenant negligence. While tenants are responsible for general ventilation (e.g., using exhaust fans), running the AC constantly, as is standard here, should help control humidity, not cause a mold problem. The landlord's argument is unlikely to hold under the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) if the AC unit or its condensate drain line is defective. For a definitive determination of the moisture source and the full extent of the infestation, a professional inspection is critical. We use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the exact point of water intrusion and provide a detailed report that can be used in any dispute with your landlord. The remediation process involves fixing the AC leak, addressing the damaged wall structure, and properly removing the mold to prevent regrowth and protect your health. For immediate assistance, including expert inspection and legally defensible reports, I recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a survey. |
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