AC issues causing sickness; how to get landlord help?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in our apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been making a weird gurgling noise and blowing out a faint, damp smell for the last couple of weeks. Since it started, my wife and I have both had constant headaches and a dry cough that just won't go away, even though we're drinking plenty of water. I’m worried there’s mould growing inside the unit. What’s the best way to get our landlord or building management to take this seriously and test or clean it properly?
Posted by Rahul Dubey
Asked on April 5, 2026 1:00 am
0
Your symptoms and the described AC issues strongly suggest microbial contamination, likely mould or bacteria, within the unit or its ductwork. The gurgling noise often indicates a clogged condensate drain line, which creates stagnant water—a perfect breeding ground for biological growth in Dubai's humidity. The damp smell and your persistent headaches and dry cough are common reactions to inhaling these contaminants.

For action, start by formally documenting everything. Send a dated email to your landlord and property management company (JVC is typically managed by a master developer like Dubai Properties or Nakheel). Detail the specific issues: the noise, the odour, and crucially, the health symptoms you are both experiencing. Explicitly state your suspicion of mould growth. This creates a written record of notification.

Reference Dubai Municipality's regulations, which hold landlords responsible for maintaining functional and healthy AC systems as part of the property's habitability. While there isn't a specific law mandating AC cleaning frequency, the Dubai Rental Law (Law No. 26 of 2007) requires landlords to undertake major maintenance that affects the tenant's health and safety.

Request a professional inspection and cleaning, not just a simple fix. A proper service should include cleaning the evaporator coils, sanitizing the drain pan, and mechanically cleaning the condensate drain line to remove the organic sludge causing the blockage and growth. For the smell and health concerns, emphasize the need for a solution that addresses the root cause, not just masking the odour.

If they are unresponsive, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Rental Dispute Settlement Center in Dubai, as a malfunctioning AC that causes illness is a valid breach of the landlord's obligations. For immediate health concerns, a professional indoor environmental assessment with microbial testing can provide documented evidence of the contamination to strengthen your case.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 5, 2026 10:52 pm