Who is responsible for mold from landlord's AC leak?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my bedroom closet has been leaking for a while and I just discovered a huge patch of black mold spreading on the wall behind my clothes. My landlord is saying it's because I didn't report the leak sooner, but I only just noticed it. Who is legally responsible for the mold removal and fixing the AC unit in this case?
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Based on UAE tenancy law, specifically Law No. (26) of 2007, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the property's structure and essential services, which includes the central air conditioning system and the building envelope. The key factor is the source of the problem. Since the leak originated from the landlord's AC unit, the responsibility for repairing the AC and remediating the resulting mold damage typically falls on them. Their argument about delayed reporting can be contested, as the leak was concealed within a closet and not immediately visible.
However, the humid climate of Dubai accelerates mold growth exponentially. What appears as a surface patch often indicates more extensive colonization within the wall cavity. This is not a simple cleaning job. Improper removal can aerosolize toxic spores, contaminating the entire room. Your immediate action should be to formally document the issue with dated photographs and a written notification to the landlord or property management company, reiterating their obligation to rectify the fault. For your health and to establish the true extent of contamination, a professional indoor environmental inspection is critical. We use thermal imaging and borescopes to assess hidden damage and air sampling to identify the mold species and spore count. For a situation of this magnitude, professional remediation by a company like Saniservice is non-negotiable. Our process involves containment, advanced HEPA filtration, safe removal of contaminated materials, and application of EPA-approved antimicrobials to ensure the mold is eradicated, not just washed away. Do not attempt to handle this yourself. For immediate assistance with inspection and a legally defensible report, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. |
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