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

The AC in my apartment seems to be making my family cough, and I finally pulled the vent cover in the master bedroom to find what looks like black mold all inside the duct. We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed it now that the humidity has shot up. My landlord is saying it's our fault for not changing the filters, but I think the whole system needs a professional clean. Who is legally responsible for getting this cleaned and paying for it in Dubai?
Posted by Junho Zhang
Asked on April 20, 2026 11:05 am
Under Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007), landlords are responsible for maintaining the structural parts of the property, which includes the central air conditioning system and its ductwork. Since the mold is inside the duct, this is a maintenance issue for the property owner, not a result of failing to change a user-accessible filter.

The high humidity in Dubai is a primary catalyst for mold growth in AC systems due to condensation buildup. While changing filters is a tenant responsibility, it does not prevent mold formation deep within the ducts or evaporator coil.

Notify your landlord in writing, with photos of the black mold, and formally request a professional inspection and cleaning. For a case this visible, a simple cleaning may not suffice; a proper inspection with potential surface or air sampling can identify the mold type and the full scope of contamination. The landlord is typically obligated to address this to ensure the property is habitable and the air quality is safe. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 22, 2026 12:21 am