Landlord or tenant responsible for mold in AC vent?« Back to Previous Page

In Dubai, the responsibility typically falls on the landlord to maintain the property's structural components, including the central AC system and its ductwork. The damp smell and visible black growth in the vent strongly indicate a moisture issue within the system, which is a maintenance concern.

You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing, detailing the issue and mentioning your husband's worsened allergies. Under Dubai's rental laws, landlords are generally obligated to address issues that affect habitation and health. For a case with visible growth and health symptoms, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the AC unit, evaporator coils, and ductwork for contamination. The UAE's high humidity and year-round AC use create perfect conditions for mold if there’s any condensation or water leakage.

A proper remediation involves cleaning the entire duct system, not just the visible vent, to prevent spores from recirculating. While you are responsible for general cleanliness within the rented space, a systemic AC issue is not tenant-caused wear and tear. If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter to the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your health concerns, a lab test can identify the type of mold present, which provides concrete evidence of the problem's severity.