Landlord or tenant responsible for AC mold in JLT apartment?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, and specifically in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), the responsibility for AC mold is a common tenant-landlord issue governed by Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, known as the 'Law Regulating Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai'. Under this law, the landlord is typically responsible for maintaining the property's structural integrity and all its main systems, which explicitly includes the central air conditioning system and its associated ductwork.

The damp, moldy smell and black spots you describe are classic indicators of microbial growth within the AC system, a condition directly exacerbated by Dubai's high humidity and the constant condensation within AC units. This is a maintenance issue for the property's core systems, not a result of tenant misuse. Your responsibility as a tenant is generally limited to changing disposable filters and reporting the issue promptly, which you have done.

However, for the landlord to act, they will require a formal, professional assessment. We strongly advise against attempting to clean this yourself, as improper handling can aerosolize toxic spores throughout your apartment. A certified mold inspection, including air and surface sampling, is necessary to identify the species and extent of contamination. This professional report will serve as the official documentation required to compel your landlord to undertake the necessary remediation, which involves a full AC hygienization and duct cleaning.

For immediate action, we recommend you formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue. For a comprehensive inspection and a detailed report to present to your landlord, you can contact our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule a diagnostic assessment.