Who is responsible for AC mold cleaning, landlord or tenant?« Back to Previous Page

Under Dubai's rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the central structure and key systems of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system and its ductwork. This responsibility is typically outlined in the tenancy contract under the landlord's obligations for major maintenance.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing about the suspected mold growth, mentioning the health symptoms your children are experiencing. They are obligated to address this as it affects the habitability of the property. For your records, take clear photographs of the mold inside the duct. Given the health concerns and the fact it's a central system, pushing for professional remediation is reasonable. The humid Dubai climate and year-round AC use create a perfect environment for mold in ducts where condensation accumulates.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai. For immediate health concerns, you could hire a certified indoor health company to conduct an inspection and lab analysis to identify the mold type; this documented evidence can strengthen your case with the landlord. However, the ultimate responsibility for the cost of cleaning the system itself should fall to the property owner.