How to get landlord to clean moldy AC unit?« Back to Previous Page

That black dust around your AC vent is a classic sign of microbial growth, which is common in Dubai due to the high humidity and constant condensation inside AC units. Your symptoms—morning stuffiness and a sore throat—are a direct result of breathing in these airborne spores all night.

Start by formally documenting the issue for your landlord. Take clear, time-stamped photos and videos of the visible mold and the unit's model number. In your written communication, cite Dubai Municipality's Public Health & Safety Department regulations, which hold property owners responsible for maintaining healthy indoor environments, including functional and clean air conditioning systems. Mention that the unit is not just dirty but is directly impacting your health.

Request a professional, comprehensive duct cleaning and coil sanitization, not just a superficial wipe-down. A legitimate service will use HEPA vacuuming and antimicrobial treatments and should provide before-and-after evidence of the remediation, ideally from a third-party lab test. This shifts the request from a complaint to a demand for a verifiable health standard.

If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Dubai Land Department's Rental Dispute Center (RDC). Health-related issues like documented mold infestations are typically taken seriously, and the RDC can compel the landlord to act. For your own records, keep all communication in writing.