Who is responsible for cleaning black mold in AC unit?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing and I suspect it's from the AC unit in our Deira apartment. I pulled open the vent in the master bedroom and found what looks like a lot of black mold around the chiller unit inside. The landlord is saying it's our fault for not running the AC enough, but we’ve had it on constantly since the weather got hot a couple of months ago. Who is actually responsible for getting this professionally cleaned, the tenant or the owner?
Posted by Hui Kim
Asked on March 31, 2026 5:42 pm
Based on the UAE Civil Code and standard tenancy contract procedures, the responsibility for maintenance, including cleaning the AC system and its internal chiller unit, typically falls on the property owner or landlord. This is considered a fundamental part of the property's essential systems.

Your landlord's claim that it's your fault for "not running the AC enough" is a common misconception. While constantly turning an AC on and off can cause condensation issues, running it continuously, as you have, should actually help reduce humidity and inhibit mold growth. The presence of extensive black mold inside the chiller unit strongly indicates a pre-existing maintenance issue, such as a blocked condensate drain line, poor insulation on the cooling coils, or a long-standing lack of professional hygienization. These are not tenant responsibilities.

For a situation like this in Deira, where you have visible mold and health symptoms, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. Our certified technicians can perform a detailed assessment, including air and swab sampling, to identify the mold species and the root cause of the moisture. This provides an official report you can present to your landlord, outlining the necessary remediation steps as per Dubai Municipality guidelines.

Do not attempt to clean this yourself, as disturbing black mold can release harmful mycotoxins into your apartment's air. We strongly advise you to get a professional evaluation immediately.

Please call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com to schedule an inspection. We can provide the documentation needed to clarify responsibility with your landlord and ensure your family's health is protected.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 2, 2026 1:43 am