Who pays for AC mold inspection, tenant or landlord?« Back to Previous Page

Your landlord is generally responsible for the maintenance and repair of the AC unit itself, which includes addressing mold contamination within the system. This is typically outlined in Dubai rental law (Law No. 26 of 2007) and standard tenancy contracts, where the landlord must maintain the property in a habitable condition.

The persistent damp smell and visible black mold inside the vent, exacerbated by JVC's high humidity and year-round AC use, strongly indicate a system issue beyond simple filter cleaning. This level of contamination requires a professional mold inspection to identify the source—often a clogged drain line, faulty insulation causing condensation, or a leaking internal drain pan.

You should formally notify your landlord in writing (email is best), describing the visible mold and health symptoms, and request they arrange and pay for a proper inspection. A legitimate inspection involves more than a visual check; it should include air and surface sampling sent to an accredited microbiology lab to identify the mold species and spore count, which determines the remediation strategy.

If the landlord is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with the Rental Dispute Center (RDC) in Dubai. For your health, consider staying in another room until it's resolved, as constant exposure to airborne spores from the AC can significantly worsen allergies and respiratory issues.