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

Under Dubai's tenancy law, landlords are responsible for maintaining the core systems of the property, including the central air conditioning system and its ductwork. This is because it is considered a structural part of the building. The black spots around the vent and the smell indicate a contamination issue within the system itself, which falls under this maintenance responsibility.

Your landlord's claim about not running the AC enough is a common misconception. While constantly turning the AC off can cause humidity to build up inside, running it constantly does not prevent mold if there is an existing moisture source or contamination. In Dubai's climate, the root cause is often a clogged drain line, a faulty drip pan, or inadequate insulation causing condensation within the ducts—all of which are maintenance issues for the property owner.

As a tenant, your responsibility is typically to change the disposable filters regularly and to use the unit in a reasonable manner. You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best) about the issue, describing the smell and visible mold. Request that they arrange for a professional inspection and cleaning of the AC system and ductwork.

If the landlord refuses, you can file a complaint with the Dubai Rental Dispute Center. For a situation with visible growth and a persistent odor, a professional assessment is strongly recommended to identify the moisture source and extent of contamination, as surface cleaning the vent will not solve a deeper issue in the ducts.