Is AC mold cleaning a tenant or landlord responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the responsibility for major maintenance, which includes the central air conditioning system and its ductwork, falls squarely on the landlord. This is considered a fundamental part of the property's structure and essential services. As a tenant, your obligation is typically limited to routine, minor maintenance, like replacing or cleaning the washable filters, which you've already done.

The persistent musty odor you're describing is a major red flag. It strongly indicates microbial growth, likely mold, within the evaporator coils or the supply ducts—areas you cannot access or clean yourself. This isn't just an odor issue; it's an indoor air quality (IAQ) hazard. The headaches you're experiencing are a common symptom of exposure to mold spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). The humid climate here in the UAE, especially during summer, creates a perfect environment for this problem to proliferate inside AC units.

You need to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, citing the musty smell and health symptoms. Request a professional HVAC hygienization service. A proper remediation involves using specialized equipment like rotary brushes, high-powered vacuum collection systems, and antimicrobial coatings applied by certified technicians.

Do not delay on this. For immediate advice or to schedule a professional inspection to document the issue for your landlord, you should call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. They can provide a detailed report on the contamination, which is very useful if you need to escalate the matter with your landlord.