Is landlord responsible for AC mold smell in Dubai apartment?« Back to Previous Page

The smell you describe strongly suggests microbial growth within the AC system itself, likely in the evaporator coils or the ductwork. In Dubai’s humid climate, condensation inside AC units is a primary cause of this issue, and wiping vents only addresses the surface symptom.

For tenancy matters, Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (as amended) and the standard tenancy contract typically place responsibility for major maintenance and repairs of fixed installations on the landlord. This includes the central AC system and its associated ductwork. Since the issue is internal to the system and not due to tenant misuse, the landlord is generally responsible for arranging and paying for the professional inspection and remediation required to resolve it.

Formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the persistent mold smell and your associated headaches. Request a professional inspection, which should include a camera scan of the ducts and surface sampling to identify the contamination's type and extent. A proper remediation involves cleaning the entire system with specialized equipment, not just a superficial spray.

Until it's resolved, you can help reduce humidity by running the AC consistently and ensuring the drain line is not clogged. For your health, consider using a portable HEPA air purifier in the bedroom. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference your tenancy contract and escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.