Who is responsible for black mold in my apartment AC?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment seems to be blowing out a really damp, earthy smell that's getting worse, and we've all had constant sinus headaches for a couple of months now. I finally pulled the vent cover off in our master bedroom here in Jumeirah Village Circle and the inside is completely black with mold. I’ve told the landlord about the smell before but they just sent a handyman to clean the filters. Who is legally responsible for getting this properly cleaned and the AC unit inspected—me as the tenant, or the building owner?
Posted by Kayla Walker
Asked on April 22, 2026 5:05 am
The landlord is legally responsible for remedying this. Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), the property owner must maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes ensuring the functionality of all installed air conditioning systems. Since the AC unit is a fixed part of the property, its maintenance and the remediation of any mold growth within its ductwork or internal mechanisms fall squarely on the landlord.

A handyman cleaning the filter is insufficient for a systemic mold issue. The black substance you see is a serious indicator of contamination, and the persistent sinus headaches strongly suggest the indoor air quality is compromised. Given Dubai's high humidity and year-round AC use, condensation inside units is a common catalyst for such growth.

You should formally notify the landlord in writing (email is best for a paper trail) that the previous fix was inadequate. Clearly state the visible mold and ongoing health symptoms. Request a professional, comprehensive inspection and remediation of the entire AC system, not just a superficial cleaning. A proper inspection often involves air or surface sampling to identify the mold type and the full scope of the problem, which guides the correct remediation protocol.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. Document everything with photos and copies of your communications. For your health and safety, do not use the affected AC unit until it has been professionally addressed.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 24, 2026 8:56 pm