Is AC duct cleaning the landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

As an indoor environmental quality expert in the UAE, I can confirm that this is a very common issue in Dubai, particularly during the extreme summer heat and high humidity. The damp, musty smell from your AC is a strong indicator of microbial growth, such as mold or bacteria, within the ductwork or the AC unit's evaporator coil.

Regarding responsibility, the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) generally places the responsibility for major maintenance and structural repairs on the landlord. This includes the central AC system and its associated ductwork, which are considered integral parts of the property. Changing filters is considered routine tenant maintenance, but a full duct cleaning and system sanitization to resolve a microbial contamination issue falls under the landlord's obligation to provide a habitable property. You should formally notify your landlord or property management company in writing about the issue and request a professional inspection and remediation.

Given the climate, this problem will only worsen. The combination of humidity and dust creates a perfect breeding ground inside ducts. A simple filter change cannot address this. A professional assessment is crucial to identify the source of the moisture and the extent of the contamination.

For a thorough inspection and certified hygienization service that eliminates odors at their source, I recommend contacting Saniservice. Their experts use specialized equipment to clean and disinfect ductwork and AC units, ensuring improved air quality. You can reach them for a consultation at 800-66537 or via email at hello@saniservice.com.