Who is responsible for mold removal from a leaking AC?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in my bedroom has been leaking a bit for the last couple of months, and now I’m seeing black mold spots spreading on the wall behind the unit. I’ve told my landlord about the leak but they haven’t fixed it, and now the mold is getting worse. Who is legally responsible for dealing with this mold removal – is it me as the tenant or is it the building management's job?
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Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is responsible for all major maintenance and repairs to the property, including the structural integrity of walls and the fixed air conditioning system. Since the mold is a direct result of an unrepaired AC leak, the responsibility for both fixing the leak and the subsequent mold remediation falls on your landlord.
You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) about the worsening mold, referencing your previous reports of the leak. The high humidity in Dubai accelerates mold growth, and this type of water damage can affect wall integrity and indoor air quality if not addressed properly. For a spreading infestation, professional remediation is needed to properly contain the area, remove contaminated materials, and treat the wall cavity to prevent regrowth. If the landlord continues to be unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. They can mandate the landlord to perform the necessary repairs and remediation. Do not attempt to remove significant mold growth yourself, as improper handling can disperse harmful spores. A professional inspection can document the source and extent of the problem, which is useful for any formal dispute. |
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