Who is responsible for cleaning common area hallway carpets?« Back to Previous Page

Excellent question. This is a very common point of confusion for tenants here in Dubai, especially after our frequent sandstorms which deposit a fine layer of dust and grit everywhere.

In nearly all cases, the cleaning and maintenance of common areas – including hallways, lobbies, stairwells, and their carpets – are the legal responsibility of the building owner or management. This is stipulated in Dubai's rental law and standard tenancy contracts. As a tenant, your responsibility is typically limited to the interior of your own apartment unit.

The sandstorm a few weeks ago is a key detail. That fine silica sand gets ground into carpet fibers and, when combined with any residual humidity (which is common in hallway areas with less AC), creates a perfect environment for microbial growth and that musty smell you're noticing. This isn't just a cosmetic issue; it's a potential indoor air quality concern.

Your first step should be a polite but firm written communication to your building's property management company. Reference the specific incident (the sandstorm) and the new development of the odor. They should dispatch their maintenance crew to conduct a deep clean.

However, if the smell persists after their cleaning, that's a major red flag. It suggests moisture has been trapped deep within the carpet or underlay, potentially leading to mold growth. Standard cleaning won't fix this. At that point, you should recommend to management that they seek a professional hygienization assessment.

A specialized company can determine if the carpet can be salvaged with antimicrobial treatment or if it needs replacement to protect resident health. For a situation like this, where health is potentially at risk, don't hesitate to have them call for expert advice at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com for a professional evaluation.