Is mold in my AC dangerous and landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

The damp smell and visible black/green mold on your AC filter indicate a contaminated system, which is likely causing your scratchy throat and stuffiness. In Dubai's humid climate, AC units constantly battle condensation, creating an ideal environment for mold growth if not properly maintained.

While not all mold is highly toxic, any growth in your AC can significantly degrade indoor air quality and cause persistent allergic reactions and respiratory irritation. The specific risk depends on the species, which requires professional testing to identify. Given your symptoms and the visible growth, this is a serious indoor air quality issue that needs addressing.

Regarding responsibility, your landlord is typically obligated to provide a habitable property, which includes a functioning and safe air conditioning system. Mold contamination often stems from underlying issues like water leakage, inadequate drainage, or poor maintenance of the central system—all of which are generally the landlord's responsibility to rectify. Check your tenancy contract for specific clauses about AC maintenance, but under Dubai rental law, structural and major system maintenance usually falls to the property owner.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue, including the photos of the moldy filter and a description of the symptoms. Request a professional inspection and remediation. A proper cleanup involves more than just replacing the filter; the entire ductwork and evaporator coils likely need a certified deep cleaning to remove the biofilm. For verification, ask the company they hire to provide before-and-after lab test results to confirm the mold spore count has been measurably reduced.