Who is responsible for musty AC smell in a rental?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be making the whole place smell musty, especially in the bedrooms. It’s been like this for a couple of weeks and gets way worse right after it kicks on. My landlord is saying it's our problem because we need to change the filters, but a friend told me the entire system might need a professional cleaning. Who is actually responsible for getting the AC unit serviced to fix a smell like this in a rental?
Posted by Jessica Jackson
Asked on March 23, 2026 12:19 pm
As a certified indoor environmental quality specialist operating in Dubai, this is a very common issue we investigate, particularly in humid climates like Jumeirah Village Circle.

The responsibility for AC maintenance, including odor remediation, is typically defined by the tenancy contract. However, under Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) regulations, the landlord is generally responsible for maintaining the central AC system's major components, including the ductwork and the main unit. This is considered part of the property's essential services. Changing the filter is often a tenant's responsibility, but a persistent musty odor—especially one that worsens on startup—strongly indicates a deeper problem within the evaporator coils or condensate drain pan, which harbor microbial growth. Simply changing the filter will not solve this.

The smell you describe is classic for mold or bacterial growth (often called "Dirty Sock Syndrome") inside the AC system, exacerbated by our high humidity. This requires a professional hygienization service that includes antimicrobial coil cleaning and duct inspection.

I strongly recommend you formally request in writing that your landlord arranges a professional inspection. We can provide a detailed report pinpointing the exact source of the contamination, which is often needed to resolve tenancy disputes. For a definitive assessment and to get this resolved, please call our experts at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com. Letting this continue can impact your indoor air quality and health.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 25, 2026 12:27 pm