Who is responsible for AC mold in a rental villa?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the UAE Civil Code, specifically Federal Law No. 5 of 1985, the responsibility for major maintenance and structural repairs of a rental property falls squarely on the landlord. This includes the central air conditioning system, which is considered a fundamental part of the property's habitability, especially in our climate. The mold growth you've discovered inside the ductwork is a serious indoor air quality issue and qualifies as a structural maintenance problem that the property owner must address.

As tenants, your obligation is typically limited to minor maintenance and reporting any issues promptly, which you have now done. Since your contract is up for renewal soon, you have significant leverage. You must formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing (email is best for a paper trail), detailing the issue and including clear photographs of the mold growth. Clearly state that this is affecting your health and request immediate, professional remediation. Under UAE law, you may have the right to request a reduction in rent or even terminate the lease if the landlord fails to rectify a serious issue that impacts the property's suitability for living.

Given that this is hidden mold within the AC system, a DIY approach is not advisable and can disturb spores, making the problem worse. This requires assessment and remediation by certified professionals. We strongly recommend you insist the landlord hires a company like ours to conduct a comprehensive indoor air quality inspection and HVAC hygienization. This will identify the full extent of the contamination and the root cause (often a drainage or condensation issue) to ensure it's properly solved.

For immediate advice and to schedule a professional inspection, please call us at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.