Is my landlord responsible for AC mold cleaning?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our apartment in Jumeirah seems to be blowing out a faint, damp smell, and my youngest has been having a persistent cough for the last couple of weeks. I just pulled the vent cover off and found black spots all around the inside of the unit. I'm really worried this is mold and is affecting my family's health. Who is responsible for getting this cleaned, me or my landlord, and does anyone know a reliable company that does proper AC mold remediation?
Posted by Hassan Al-Ahmad
Asked on May 9, 2026 7:40 am
Under Dubai rental law, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the main structure and essential systems of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system. Mold growth inside the AC unit, particularly when it's causing a damp smell and potential health symptoms, falls under this category of maintenance.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue, including the photos you took of the black spots. They are obligated to address problems that affect the habitability of the apartment. Dubai's humid climate and year-round AC use create ideal conditions for mold in poorly maintained systems, making this a common issue they should be familiar with.

For a case involving health symptoms and visible growth, a professional inspection is strongly advised to identify the mold species and the extent of the contamination. Proper remediation involves more than just spraying; it requires cleaning the entire ductwork and evaporator coils and verifying results with post-cleaning testing. Look for a provider that uses independent lab analysis to document the cleanup's effectiveness, as this provides concrete evidence the issue has been resolved.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 12, 2026 2:48 am