Am I responsible for air quality issues?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy rains last month, I noticed a persistent musty smell in my bedroom closet, and it's gotten worse with each passing day. The AC in my apartment seems to struggle to keep up, but I'm not sure if that's because of the high humidity or just an old unit. Given that this is part of a rental property, am I responsible for ensuring the air quality or should the landlord be addressing this?
Posted by Yasmin Bin Zayed
Asked on February 4, 2026 12:01 pm
High humidity levels can indeed lead to air quality issues and the development of musty odors, especially in enclosed spaces like your bedroom closet. This situation is a common concern post-rainfall events, particularly in regions such as Dubai where the climate can be quite humid.

In the UAE context, it's crucial to understand that tenants are not solely responsible for maintaining air quality; however, they have an obligation to notify their landlords of any issues that could affect their health and well-being. The UAE Federal Law No. 17 of 2003 on Civil Transactions (as amended) does outline the responsibilities between landlord and tenant. While it doesn’t explicitly mention air quality, the law obliges both parties to maintain a safe and livable environment.

Given that you've noticed an increase in musty odors post-rainfall, especially with your AC struggling to keep up, I would recommend scheduling a professional environmental inspection. This can help identify whether the issue is due to high humidity or if there's a more serious mold infestation. Saniservice.com, for example, offers comprehensive air quality assessments that include humidity testing and mold inspections.

In Dubai, it’s common for rental agreements to come with implicit expectations of basic maintenance, which might include periodic AC servicing. However, in cases where the issue seems beyond routine maintenance—like persistent musty odors—it falls on the landlord to address these concerns by engaging professional remediation services.

Remember, while air conditioning can help mitigate humidity levels, it doesn't always prevent mold growth if moisture sources are not properly managed. Regularly checking for signs of water damage and ensuring proper ventilation in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens is vital.

In summary, although tenants have a responsibility to report issues, the landlord ultimately bears the burden of addressing them. Should you decide to take action, contacting 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com could provide you with expert guidance on how best to proceed while ensuring your health and comfort are not compromised.

Call 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for further assistance and a detailed inspection.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 6, 2026 8:21 pm