Who is responsible for mold removal in a rental AC??« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai rental law, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the structural integrity and major systems of the property, which includes the central AC unit and its ductwork. Since the mold is growing from the AC system itself and not from tenant-caused damage or neglect, the remediation cost typically falls on the property owner.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue, as the health symptoms you've observed are a significant concern. For documented cases of visible mold growth causing health issues, a professional inspection is strongly recommended to assess the full extent of the contamination within the unit and ducts. This is especially important in Dubai's climate, where high humidity and constant AC use create ideal conditions for mold to thrive inside systems. A proper inspection can determine if the issue is just at the vent or if the entire unit requires cleaning.

While you wait for a response, avoid disturbing the mold, as this can release spores. You can carefully clean the visible mold on the vent surface with a diluted bleach solution, but this is only a temporary measure if the source is inside the AC unit. The landlord should arrange for a qualified technician to properly clean and treat the internal evaporator coils and ductwork to prevent recurrence. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference your right to a habitable property under your tenancy contract and may seek guidance from the Rental Dispute Settlement Centre.