Dusty AC causing illness; landlord or my responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

A dusty, damp smell and black speckling inside your AC vent are strong indicators of microbial growth, which is common in Dubai due to the high humidity and constant AC operation. The condensation inside units creates a perfect environment for mold. Your symptoms—waking up with a stuffy nose and sore throat—are typical reactions to airborne mold spores circulating from the AC.

Under typical Dubai rental contracts (EJARI), the landlord is responsible for maintaining the central AC system, including the ductwork and the unit itself, as it is a fixed installation. You are usually responsible for the filters. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or building management in writing about the issue and your health symptoms, requesting a professional inspection and cleaning.

Do not attempt to clean visible mold yourself, as disturbing it can release a large number of spores. A proper remediation involves specialized equipment to contain the area and clean the entire duct system, not just the visible spots at the vent. For verification, a company with microbiology lab capabilities can take swab samples to identify the species, which determines the actual health risk and required remediation scope.