Who handles moldy AC and landlord responsibility in Dubai?« Back to Previous Page
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The AC in our Jumeirah apartment has been blowing out a damp, earthy smell for the past month, and I've started waking up with a stuffy nose and a sore throat that clears up once I'm at work. I just pulled the vent cover off and the inside is covered in black and green fuzzy patches. I'm really worried this is making us sick. **What kind of professional do I need to call in Dubai to properly test and clean this, and is this something my landlord is legally responsible for fixing?**
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You need a professional indoor environmental hygienist or a certified mold remediation specialist. In Dubai, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the AC system and ensuring the property is habitable under Law No. 26 of 2007, which governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in Dubai. This includes addressing mold issues caused by a faulty or poorly maintained AC unit.
For a situation with visible growth and health symptoms, a proper inspection and lab testing are crucial to identify the mold species and the moisture source. The high humidity here, combined with condensation in AC ducts, creates a perfect environment for this growth. A reputable professional will not just clean the visible mold but will use tools like borescopes to inspect deep within the ductwork and moisture meters to find hidden dampness. The cleaning process should be comprehensive, involving HEPA vacuuming and antimicrobial treatment of the entire system, not just a superficial wipe-down. Before proceeding, formally notify your landlord in writing about the issue and your health symptoms, referencing your right to a habitable property. They are typically responsible for the repair. If they are unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your own due diligence, choose a provider that offers documented before-and-after testing from an accredited lab to verify the results. |
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