Who is responsible for mold in my AC: landlord or me?« Back to Previous Page

Based on your description of a damp smell, physical symptoms like throat irritation and headaches, and visible black speckling, this is a strong indication of microbial growth, likely mold, within your AC system. This is a common issue in Dubai due to the high humidity and year-round AC use, which creates significant condensation—an ideal environment for mold proliferation.

Regarding responsibility, the UAE Civil Code, specifically Law No. (5) of 1985, generally places the obligation for major maintenance and structural repairs on the landlord (Article 677). The air conditioning system, being a central fixture of the property essential for habitation in this climate, falls under this category. As the tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to routine maintenance, such as replacing disposable filters. The remediation of a contaminated HVAC system requires professional assessment and remediation, which is the landlord's duty to provide and fund.

However, you must formally notify your building management or landlord in writing of the issue immediately. This documents your request and starts the legal clock for them to respond and rectify the hazardous living condition.

Given the visible growth and your physical symptoms, a professional inspection is non-negotiable. DIY cleaning is ineffective and can aerosolize harmful spores, worsening the contamination. Certified experts use tools like borescopes to inspect internal ductwork and perform air and swab sampling to identify contamination levels and species.

For immediate professional testing and a certified remediation plan, I recommend contacting our specialists at Saniservice. Call 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com. We can provide a comprehensive assessment and work directly with your landlord to resolve this issue safely and effectively.