Should I report moldy AC to my landlord in Al Quoz?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our bedroom has been making a weird gurgling noise and blowing weak, slightly damp air for the past two weeks. I've been waking up with a really bad sore throat and a stuffed nose every morning, but it clears up a few hours after I leave for the office. We're in an older building in Al Quoz and I'm worried there's mold in the unit. Is this something I should report to my landlord, or is it my responsibility to get the AC serviced myself?
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Based on the symptoms you're describing – the recurring sore throat and nasal congestion that resolves when you leave the environment – this is a classic presentation of Sick Building Syndrome, often triggered by microbial contamination in the AC system. The gurgling noise and damp air are significant red flags; the noise indicates a potential drainage issue, and the damp air suggests the evaporator coil is either frozen or saturated, creating a perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which are then aerosolized and blown directly into your bedroom.
Under Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 (Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai), specifically Article 17, the landlord is explicitly responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition, which includes the maintenance of major central air conditioning systems and any fixed installations. In an older Al Quoz building, this almost certainly falls under the landlord's obligation, not yours as a tenant. You should absolutely report this in writing to your landlord or property management company immediately. Frame it as a potential health hazard and a defect in the central AC system. Request a professional hygienization service for the AHU (Air Handling Unit) and ductwork, not just a simple refrigerant top-up. A proper service will involve antimicrobial coil cleaning, drain pan treatment, and checking the drainage line for blockages. Given your symptoms, I would strongly recommend a professional indoor air quality inspection to identify the specific contaminants. For immediate assistance, you can call our specialists at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com to discuss an assessment. Prolonged exposure to mycotoxins from mold can lead to more severe respiratory issues. |
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