Is AC mold in my apartment the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Good question. This is a very common issue here in Dubai, especially in high-humidity areas like Jumeirah Village Triangle. The short answer is that in most cases, yes, the landlord is responsible for the remediation of mold originating from the AC system, including the chiller unit.

Here’s the technical breakdown: Under UAE rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is obligated to maintain the property's structure and its core systems, which includes the central air conditioning (chiller) system, ductwork, and ventilation. The mold you see on the vent is almost certainly a symptom of a larger problem within the chilled water piping insulation, the air handling unit (AHU), or the ductwork itself. This is not a superficial cleaning issue; it's a sign of microbial contamination due to condensation and moisture buildup within the system, which is a maintenance fault.

As a tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to changing the regular filter and general upkeep. However, a professional inspection is crucial here. Wiping the visible spot doesn't solve the underlying contamination, and the spores are likely being circulated into your kids' bedrooms, which is a health concern.

We strongly recommend you notify your landlord in writing about the issue and request a professional mold inspection and hygienization of the entire AC system. A certified company should perform ATP testing to confirm the contamination levels and then conduct a full system clean using EPA-approved biocides.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference your rights with the Dubai Land Department.

For a proper assessment and to get the evidence you need for your landlord, give us a call at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a detailed report on the source and severity.