Who is responsible for AC mold testing, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

In the UAE, specifically Dubai, the responsibility for AC mold testing and remediation is primarily dictated by the tenancy contract and Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007, also known as the Dubai Rental Law. As a tenant, you are typically responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of the AC units within your leased property. However, the landlord is legally obligated to provide a habitable premises and is responsible for all major maintenance and repairs related to the building's core systems, including the central AC infrastructure, ducts, and chillers.

Your description of a damp, dusty smell from the AC, coupled with persistent respiratory symptoms in children, is a significant red flag for microbial contamination, likely mold. The high humidity and constant AC use in Dubai create ideal conditions for mold growth within ductwork and cooling coils, where condensation accumulates.

Given the potential health implications, especially for young children, I strongly advise against attempting to resolve this yourself. This requires professional inspection and testing. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing of the issue and your health concerns, requesting immediate professional assessment. They are obligated to address hazards that affect habitability.

For a definitive diagnosis and solution, I recommend contacting a specialist like Saniservice. Our certified teams use borescope inspections and air/o-surface sampling to identify contamination sources and species. We can provide a detailed report for your landlord, outlining the necessary remediation steps, which they are typically responsible for funding. Do not delay; for a professional consultation, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.