Is mold in AC causing our allergies and who cleans?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our bedroom in Jumeirah Village Circle has been making a weird damp smell for the past month. My husband and I have both had constant stuffy noses and itchy eyes since it started, which clears up when we're at work all day. I finally pulled the vent cover off and the inside is covered in black and green fuzzy patches. Could this mold be the cause of our allergy-like symptoms, and who is responsible for cleaning it, me or my landlord?
Posted by Long Sasaki
Asked on April 11, 2026 7:20 am
Yes, the mold in your AC is almost certainly causing your allergy-like symptoms. The timing, your symptoms resolving when you leave the home, and the visible growth are classic indicators. The damp, dark, and cool environment inside an AC unit is an ideal breeding ground for mold, especially in Dubai's high humidity where condensation constantly feeds it.

In Dubai, the responsibility for maintenance, including mold remediation in fixed AC systems, typically falls on the landlord or property management company, as per the standard tenancy contract (Ejari). This is considered a necessary repair to maintain a habitable living environment. You should formally notify your landlord or building management in writing, including the photos you've taken, and request a professional cleaning and disinfection service.

Do not attempt to clean significant growth yourself, as disturbing it can aerosolize spores throughout the room. A proper remediation involves containing the area, using HEPA vacuuming, and applying professional-grade biocides. After cleaning, insist on verification, such as a post-remediation inspection or surface swab test from a certified lab, to confirm the mold has been measurably reduced to a safe level.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 12, 2026 10:52 am