Who is responsible for mold from AC in my apartment?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the description of the situation, this is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention. The presence of black, fuzzy mold, especially of that scale, and its correlation with your children's health symptoms is a significant concern.

In the UAE, the responsibility for mold remediation stemming from an AC unit is typically dictated by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, which regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants. The general principle is that the landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the main structure of the property, including fixed installations like the central AC system and the building envelope. The tenant is usually responsible for minor internal maintenance.

The landlord's claim that running the AC at 24°C causes mold is incorrect. Mold growth is caused by excess moisture. In Dubai's humid climate, the AC unit itself is the primary defense against humidity. The issue you describe—mold spreading from the corner where the AC unit is—strongly indicates one of two landlord responsibilities: either a faulty AC unit that is not properly dehumidifying the air, or, more likely, a breach in the building envelope or a leaking condensation drain pipe from the AC, allowing moisture to accumulate inside the wall cavity.

You are not responsible for the cause. However, for your family's health, you must act. Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing large patches of Stachybotrys (black mold) can aerosolize harmful mycotoxins.

Your course of action is to:
1. Document the mold with photographs and note the health symptoms.
2. Formally notify your landlord/property management in writing of the issue, citing your concerns and their responsibility under the law to provide a habitable property.
3. Insist on a professional mold inspection and remediation.

We strongly recommend you contact a certified professional immediately for an assessment. Saniservice specializes in forensic mold inspection, using tools like thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the exact moisture source, and provides certified remediation to ensure the mold is removed safely and completely. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a survey. Your children's health is the priority.