Who pays for AC mold remediation in a Dubai rental?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai's rental market, the responsibility for AC maintenance and associated mold remediation is a common point of contention. The primary governing document is your tenancy contract, executed under the umbrella of Law No. 26 of 2007, also known as the Dubai Rental Law. Typically, standard contracts stipulate that routine, preventative AC servicing—such as cleaning filters and drain pans—is the tenant's responsibility. This is considered part of general upkeep.

However, the situation you describe—black, powdery microbial growth inside the ductwork and the AC unit itself—transcends routine maintenance. This is a significant contamination issue often caused by the UAE's high humidity levels and year-round AC operation, which leads to persistent condensation inside the units, creating the perfect environment for mold. Remediating this requires specialized equipment and certified technicians.

Legally, the responsibility for remediating this systemic issue falls on the landlord. The law mandates that the landlord must provide a habitable property and maintain the structure and essential services, which includes the central AC system's integrity. A malfunctioning unit causing health issues like coughing and sinus problems constitutes a breach of this obligation. You should formally notify your landlord in writing of the health hazard and request professional inspection and remediation.

For a definitive assessment, a professional mold inspection involving air and surface sampling is crucial to identify the species and concentration levels. I strongly recommend contacting our team at Saniservice. We are certified experts in environmental hygiene and can provide a comprehensive report that can be used to formally demonstrate the issue to your landlord. For immediate assistance, please call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com.