Is mold in AC landlord or tenant responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility for AC maintenance and mold remediation depends on your tenancy contract and the cause of the issue. Typically, the landlord is responsible for the main AC system and ductwork, as these are part of the building's structure. You, as the tenant, are usually responsible for the unit's filters and general upkeep.

The damp, earthy smell and visible black growth you describe are classic signs of microbial contamination, often worsened by Dubai's high humidity and constant AC use, which creates condensation. The first step is to formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and including photos. They are generally obligated to address problems that affect livability and indoor air quality. For a confirmed case, a professional inspection is key to determine the contamination's source and extent before any cleaning is attempted.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can reference RERA's rental laws, which imply a landlord's duty to maintain the property in a habitable condition. However, if the issue is due to a lack of filter changes or obstructing vents, the responsibility could shift to you. Since the smell is systemic and visible at the vent, this strongly points to an issue within the ductwork or the main unit itself, which is typically the landlord's responsibility to rectify.