Who is responsible for mold in my AC vent?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and essential services of a property, which includes the central air conditioning system. Since the AC unit is a fixed installation and the mold growth is likely due to internal condensation issues within the unit or ductwork, the responsibility for remediation typically falls on the landlord.

Your landlord's claim that it's due to insufficient AC use is a common misconception. While turning the AC off completely for extended periods can lead to humidity buildup, constant use is actually the norm in Dubai and should not cause this. The damp, earthy smell and visible growth inside the vent strongly indicate an issue with the unit itself, such as a clogged drain line causing water accumulation, insufficient insulation leading to condensation, or a malfunction that prevents proper dehumidification. These are all maintenance problems for the property owner.

For a formal resolution, you should notify your landlord in writing (email is best), describing the issue and including clear photographs of the black speckles. Politely reference your duty to maintain the property and their duty to handle structural repairs. If they remain uncooperative, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. They often side with tenants on health and safety issues like mold.

Given the visible growth, a professional inspection is advised to assess the extent of the mold inside the unit and ductwork. Remediation should involve cleaning the evaporator coils, drain pan, and ducts, not just wiping the vent cover. In many JVC apartments, this is a recurring issue due to the high humidity and year-round AC demand, so a proper fix is essential to prevent it from returning.