Do odor issues from AC fall under landlord's maintenance?« Back to Previous Page

After the heavy dust storm we had last week, I noticed a strange smell coming from the air vents in my bedroom. It's been quite persistent, especially when the AC is on. My landlord mentioned that it’s his responsibility to maintain the ducts, but I'm not sure if he covers odor issues too. Given our history of respiratory problems in the building, are tenants expected to address any smells related to the air conditioning system or does this fall under my landlord's maintenance duties?
Posted by Ping Sato
Asked on February 8, 2026 4:50 am
0
Hey there!

When it comes to the AC ducts and odors, you're right to be concerned. In Dubai/UAE, landlords are typically responsible for maintaining the air conditioning systems, including the ductwork, to ensure they function properly and remain free of contaminants. This is pretty standard across most rental agreements as part of the landlord's duty to provide a safe living environment.

However, odor issues can sometimes arise from various sources within the HVAC system or even beyond it. Dust storms like the one you mentioned can introduce unwanted smells, but if these odors persist when the AC is running, it may indicate an issue with the ducts, filters, or even the air handler itself. In your case, given the history of respiratory problems in the building, it's important to take this seriously.

I'd recommend scheduling a professional inspection with a company that specializes in indoor environmental quality and HVAC systems like us at Saniservice. Our team can thoroughly inspect the ducts for signs of mold growth, debris accumulation, or other issues that could be causing the smell. We've seen plenty of cases where seemingly small problems can lead to big health concerns.

In Dubai, there isn't a specific law mandating what odors must be addressed and by whom, but it's generally expected that landlords will address any health-related concerns raised by tenants. If your landlord insists they don’t cover odor issues, you might want to refer them to the UAE’s Ministry of Community Development’s guidelines on tenant rights and responsibilities.

Remember, persistent odors can be a sign of something more serious like mold growth or even pests. These can pose significant risks to health and should not be ignored. It's always better to err on the side of caution and have an expert take a look.

Feel free to reach out if you need us to come over for an inspection or if you just want some advice. We're here to help, so don't hesitate to give us a call at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or shoot us an email at hello@saniservice.com.

Stay healthy and keep those air ducts clean!

Saniservice Team
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on February 11, 2026 1:35 am